The mediating roles of management and fund availability in the relationship between corporate governance and research output

Abstract

Corporate governance plays a crucial role in the administration of organizations. However, its influence on research output within public research institutions remains underexplored. This study examines the relationship between Boards of Directors and research output in Ghanaian research institutions, while assessing the mediating roles of Management and fund availability. A quantitative approach was adopted, combining primary data from a structured questionnaire survey of 261 Research Scientists and Technologists, with secondary data on refereed journal publications obtained from institutional annual reports. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) using AMOS 23 was used to evaluate both the structural and measurement models. The findings revealed a negative direct influence of Boards of Directors on research output. However, Management and fund availability demonstrated positive mediating effects, which significantly enhance research output. These results suggest that governance structures alone may not directly improve research output unless supported by effective managerial systems and accessible funding mechanisms. To improve research output, Boards of Directors should adopt a more proactive and supportive role. Management must sustain efforts to incentivize research through allowances and resources, while ensuring that funds are readily accessible to Scientists and Technologists for conducting quality research and increasing publication output. The study provides policy implications for strengthening institutional governance frameworks, improving managerial support systems, and ensuring timely access to research funding to enhance research output.