The Implementation of Research Policy: The Case of Two State Universities in Cameroon

Policy implementation is crucial because if the policy is not implemented as planned, the policy objectives will not be achieved, and the whole policymaking process can be considered a total waste of time, energy, and resources. Regarding the essential nature of policy implementation, this study was focused on exploring factors hindering the effective implementation of the research policy in Cameroon universities. The study was guided by the following questions: (1) How do university lecturers perceive university research? (2) What do research administrators perceive as factors hindering the implementation of the research policy in universities? The sample population was made up of 60 lecturers and 20 research administrators. The findings revealed that the following factors are hindering the effective implementation of the research policy: lack of autonomy, failure to involve implementers in the policymaking process, inadequate resources, and inadequate monitoring and evaluation. Moreover, this study found that research findings are not implemented, lecturers are not satisfied with the extent to which research objectives have been achieved, and there is inadequate extrinsic motivation to engage in research activities. From the insightful findings, implications are given to enhance the implementation of the research policy in universities.