The effect of perceived resarchrch capacity on research culture: A case study of research centers in Iraq

The research explores the connection between Perceived Research Capacity (PRC) and Research Culture (RC) in Iraqi institutions of higher learning and research. In the understanding of the importance of research in national development, this study examines how the views of the researchers about their personal, group, and organizational skills affect the situation in the whole research. A cross-sectional survey design, employing quantitative methods, was used to collect data from 100 researchers working in two selected research organizations in Iraq. Three dimensions of perceived research capacity, including organizational, team, and individual, and their relationship with research culture indicators, namely, collaboration, innovation, ethics, and institutional support were measured using a structured questionnaire. Data were evaluated by descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation and multiple regression analysis using SPSS. Findings indicated that perceived research capacity and research culture were significantly positively correlated which shows that those researchers who feel they have more capacity in their respective institutions also have found themselves in a supportive and productive research culture. The interrelationship between the three dimensions produced organization capacity as the most potent predictor of research culture, then team capacity and individual competence. These results highlight institutional changes, infrastructure investment, and the formulation of enabling policies that support researchers' perceived capacities are needed. The paper concludes that a sustainable and ethical research culture can be promoted by strengthening the perceived research capacity even in resource-limited and post-conflict environments such as Iraq. The results offer practical information to policymakers, academic leaders, and development partners who would wish to enhance research ecosystems in developing settings.