The role of social capital in enhancing the academic productivity of female faculty in higher education institutions of Ethiopia

The study initiated to identify the role of social capital in enhancing the academic productivity of female faculties in higher education in Ethiopia. This study adopted a mixed approach combining quantitative and qualitative methods. Accordingly, a total of 145 sample respondents taken from Haramaya and Dire Dawa Universities using a simple random sampling technique. Besides, five female faculties purposely selected for an interview. Thus, a questionnaire and a semi-structured interview used to collect data. The findings of the study revealed that social capital in terms of networking, promotion, and work environment contributed to the enhancement of academic productivity. Absence of conference participation, time management, and lack of safety and security considered as personal and organizational factors inhibiting academic productivity. The study also identified that policy provisions through affirmative action has the power to enhance social capital and thereby the academic productivity of female faculties. However, the study showed that the policy provisions have not been properly implemented. Finally, the study forwarded the policy implication based on the results of the study.