Corporate index: bridging the academic–practitioner gap
Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education
ISSN: 2050-7003
Article publication date: 26 January 2024
Issue publication date: 27 November 2024
Abstract
Purpose
The academic–practitioner gap has been a widely discussed and well-established issue. Despite numerous studies conducted in this area, empirical evidence reveals that the gap is widening and also emphasizes the exigency to bridge this gap. Hence, the purpose of this study is to propose an acceptable solution that will fill this lacuna.
Design/methodology/approach
The study adopts the qualitative research methodology and was based on the system theory (ST) and the institutional theory (IT). Interviews, based on a semi-structured questionnaire, were conducted, focusing on three categories, namely individuals with solely academic experience, individuals with both academic and industrial exposure and business leaders. The unit of analysis was the individual.
Findings
The study, which unearthed some rich and challenging evidence from the respondents, reveals that gaining industrial exposure and working on continuous professional development are vital for academics to narrow or even close this gap. In addition, serving as apex members at board level or in professional bodies, serving global organizations as lead consultants and working on research collaborations are other important dimensions for academics.
Practical implications
This study introduces an emerging model named the “Pentagon Model” and develops a corporate index (C-index) for academics to earn, similar to the h-index. The study also explains the operationalization of the C-index based on the proposed algorithm. Hence, it is the envisaged that this study will change the landscape of the academic sphere in practical terms.
Originality/value
This study was carried out with the sole intention of bridging the gap between academics and practitioners. The proposed model and the index, which were developed by the author purely based on the outcome of this study, pave the way for many future research studies, not only to further improve the C-index but also to minimize disparities in transdisciplinary work between academics and practitioners.
Keywords
Citation
Mendis, T. (2024), "Corporate index: bridging the academic–practitioner gap", Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education, Vol. 16 No. 5, pp. 2091-2107. https://doi.org/10.1108/JARHE-08-2023-0357
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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