Probing faculty researchers’ competencies: Evidence from a cross-sectional survey in a Philippine University

Understanding the unique challenges and opportunities facing university faculty researchers is essential as it can significantly impact their research abilities and effectiveness. This paper investigated the research competencies of faculty researchers in the context of a Philippine state university using a cross-sectional survey design. The researcher assessed the educational qualifications, research experience, academic rank, field of specialization, and research competencies in practical skills, problem-solving, thinking, communication skills, personal and professional ethics, dissemination skills, and roles and functions as a researcher among the 133 permanent and temporary faculty members using an adopted survey instrument. Findings revealed that while faculty members demonstrated reasonable competency in most research domains, their problem-solving, thinking, and communication skills fell below expectations. Educational qualifications significantly influenced practical skills, while research experience impacted dissemination skills. Findings further revealed a direct relationship between practical skills and academic qualifications. These findings highlight the need for the university to strengthen capacity-building initiatives to enhance faculty members’ research competencies, particularly in problem-solving, thinking, and communication skills, thereby contributing to their professional development and ultimately improving the quality of education the university offers.