Perceived Procedural Fairness in Lecturer Recruitment and Academic Career Commitment among Early-Career Researchers in Pakistan: The Role of Institutional Trust
Contributors
-
Shah Jahan Ashraf
PhD Scholar, Department of Sociology, Government College University, Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan.
https://orcid.org/0009-0002-7837-6676
- Ayesha Ehsan Lecturer, Department of Psychology, Muhammad Ali Jinnah University, Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan.
- Sameea Tahir Assistant Manager Legal, National Power Parks Management Company (Private) Limited, Head Office, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan.
- Alveena Zehra Assistant Professor, Department of Biotechnology, Jinnah University for Women, Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan.
- Awais Khalid Visiting Faculty of Psychology, Department of Allied Subjects, University of Narowal, New Campus, Narowal, Punjab, Pakistan.
Abstract
The study aimed to examine the mediating role of institutional trust in the relationship between perceived procedural fairness and academic career commitment among early-career researchers in Pakistan, particularly in the context of lecturer recruitment. A cross-sectional correlational design and purposive sampling technique were employed to collect data from research assistants and research associates working in public and private sectors, as well as independent researchers. Participants were required to be at least 25 years old, hold a minimum qualification of MS or MPhil, and have an interest in pursuing an academic career as a lecturer in a public or private university in Pakistan. Additionally, they must have applied for lecturer positions at least three times during the preceding year without receiving an interview invitation. Data were collected from Karachi, Lahore, Faisalabad, and Narowal. Of the 190 individuals approached, 142 met the inclusion criteria and completed the questionnaires, yielding a participation rate of 74.74%. Standardized questionnaires were used to assess the study variables. Correlational analysis revealed significant positive associations among the study variables. However, mediation analysis indicated that institutional trust did not significantly mediate the relationship between perceived procedural fairness and academic career commitment. The findings highlight the importance of transparent and merit-based recruitment procedures in strengthening early-career researchers' commitment to academic careers in Pakistan.
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Corresponding Author
Shah Jahan Ashraf
PhD Scholar, Department of Sociology, Government College University, Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan.
Corresponding Author: [email protected]
