Publishing Preferences among Academic Researchers: Implications for Academic Quality and Innovation
Publishing Preferences among Academic Researchers: Implications for Academic Quality and Innovation
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Date
2016
Authors
Owusu-Ansah Mfum, Christopher
Osei Kufour Adjei, Kwabena
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Publisher
Libraries at University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Abstract
The purpose of this paper was to explore the factors responsible for publication preferences among a
select group of researchers attending a research writing workshop in Ghana. The objectives were to
investigate the specific motivations for publishing; to explore the factors that influence researchers’
journal selection decisions; and availability of in-house programmes for journal publishing. The
population of the study consisted of researchers from several academic institutions in Ghana who
attended a research writing workshop. The research made use of the convenience sampling method
to select a total of 67 researchers to participate in the study. The study used a self-administered
closed-ended questionnaire consisting of 13 items and analysed using the mean test, standard
deviation and simple percentages. The study found that researchers consider “contribution to
scholarship” as the main motivation for publishing even though job mobility is a major source of
motivation. Again, the major factor influencing journal selection decision is journal reputation.
However, many researchers indicated a high preference for journals that does not charge publication
fees. Finally, most respondents do not benefit from in-house research development programmes.
The study recommends the development of in-house academic publishing programmes that are
researcher-centred; the development of new of enhancement of existing research mentoring schemes,
the issuance of “standalone” low quality journals; and the need for researchers to consider both
intrinsic and extrinsic factors in their quest to become quality researchers.
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Citation
Adjei, K. O. K., & Owusu-Ansah, C. M. (2016). Publishing preferences among academic researchers: implications for academic quality and innovation. Library Philosophy and Practice, 2016(1), 1349.