Unraveling the predictors of research utilization among Thai educators: evidence from PLS-SEM analysis

Abstract

This groundbreaking study unveils critical factors driving research utilization (RU) among Thai educators, offering vital insights for educational policymakers and administrators. Employing an advanced partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) approach, we examined data from 688 teachers under the office of the basic education commission. Our findings reveal a complex interplay of factors influencing RU, with organizational support (SUPP) emerging as the most potent driver (beta=0.570), followed by knowledge and research skills (KNOWS) (beta=0.539), organizational leadership (LEAD) (beta=0.472), and attributes of research (ATTR) (beta=0.391). Interestingly, ATTR showed the highest direct effect (DE) (beta=0.391), while LEAD had the strongest indirect impact (beta=0.429). Surprisingly, organizational climate (ORGA) showed no significant effect, challenging conventional wisdom. The study explains 52.5% of the variance in RU, providing a robust foundation for evidence-based educational reforms. Delve into our analysis to discover how these relationships between knowledge, leadership, and organizational dynamics shape educational RU in Thailand, and explore our recommendations for enhancing research integration in educational practices.