Psychometric assessment of a survey instrument for examining university institutional DNA: a case study of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM)

Abstract

This paper presents the psychometric assessment of a survey instrument meant to examine the perceptions among the staff of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) towards the prioritised elements of UTM Institutional DNA. The main constructs of the instrument were initially developed based on the three main elements of UTM Institutional DNA, which are (1) priority, (2) process, and (3) resources. The components of these three elements further derive nine main constructs, which are (1) clear goals; (2) strategic-mindedness; (3) high performance work culture; (4) new academia; (5) global; (6) distinct; (7) lean, efficient, and integrity; (8) consultative and inclusive; and (9) healthy, happy, and sustainable lifestyle. 26 items were constructed based on the nine main constructs. The participants comprised 740 university staff, and psychometric assessment was conducted using Rasch and exploratory factor analyses. Results from the Rasch analysis indicated high reliability on item and person reliability (values approaching 1.0). As for the Point-Measure Correlation values, all items indicated satisfied values (> 0.30).The EFA revealed that the three major elements of the UTM Institutional DNA are designated as priority, resources, and process.