Enhancing collaboration between academic and professional services staff at the College of Agriculture, Engineering, and Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal.

Abstract

The study investigated the collaboration between academic and professional services staff at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) within the College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science (CAES). It has been motivated by the recognition that effective collaboration is a critical enabler of the university's success. The main aim of this research was to determine the key facilitators and obstacles to collaboration and develop recommendations that may serve to support the improvement of working relationships between these two groups. The specific problem was less than adequate collaboration that might restrict operational effectiveness at the University. A quantitative research design was followed, and data were collected through an online questionnaire sent to both the academic and professional services staff within UKZN CAES. This study was analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), where the sample size was 84 respondents: 43 academic staff, 39 professional services staff, and 2 combining these roles. The results showed some variables facilitating collaboration-a shared commitment to the university mission of advancing knowledge, together with societal impact through excellence in teaching, learning, and research. On the other hand, it also found that potential challenges to the collaboration include differences in working styles, limited interaction opportunities, and a perceived disconnect between the two groups. The study recommended targeted interventions at the individual and organizational levels, which included developing more forums where individuals can interact with one another and developing reward systems that will provide incentives for collaborative behaviours. These strategies were supposed to help enhance working relationships and strengthen the capacity of the university to realize its strategic goals. It is thus obvious that the lessons learned through this study would help university leaders create a culture of collaboration and tap into the combined talents of both academic and professional services staff in developing institutional success.