The Role of Faculty Members in the Internationalization of Medical Universities of Iran

Abstract

Introduction: The internationalization of higher education has been identified as a priority and necessity for universities in the country. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of faculty members in internationalization of medical universities in Iran.

Methods: In this qualitative study using grounded theory through literature review and semi-structured interviews with 20 experts, the role of faculty members was identified and a questionnaire by 124 experts with qualitative theory was used. Structural equation modeling analysis method was determined.

Result: Four factors were identified as individual competencies, teaching and research activities, empowerment and teacher mobility along with 28 indicators. Based on the first and second order factor analysis. The indexes of fitness measurement of final model showed that Chi-square ratio to the degree of freedom (CMIN/DF) equals 2.092. Furthermore, the value of the index of square root of reminder squares mean (RMSE(, equals 0.54. The value of goodness of fit index (GFI), adjusted goodness of fit index (AGFI), correlation of fit index (CFI), normalized fit index of Bentler Bonette (NNFI), fit index of Toker – Loise (TLI), increased fit index (IFI), and relative fit index (RFI) in the presented model is higher than 90%, so the data of this study fit the factor structure of this scale.

Conclusion: Faculty members play a key role in the internationalization of medical universities in Iran, and university management should facilitate the process of internationalization through organizational support, participatory management, and investment through professors.