Institutional Inertia as an Obstacle to Entrepreneurial Transformation: Assessing the Role of Palestinian Universities Using a Novel Four-Dimensional Model.
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https://orcid.org/0009-0002-2479-2201
Abstract
Within the context of high graduate unemployment in Palestine, this study aims to diagnose the phenomenon of institutional inertia as a main obstacle to the entrepreneurial transformation of Palestinian universities. This is achieved by developing a unique integrated evaluation model based on combining Role Theory and Gestalt Theory. The model measures university performance in disseminating an entrepreneurial culture across four interconnected dimensions: Leadership Performance, Education and Training, Entrepreneurship Ecosystem, and Mentoring & Guidance.
The research adopted a mixed-methods approach using a Triangulation strategy. Quantitative data were collected via an electronic questionnaire administered to a sample of 373 academic and administrative staff across 10 Palestinian universities, alongside a qualitative content analysis of documents and open-ended responses.
Results revealed a medium overall assessment of university performance (M=3.26). The Leadership Performance dimension scored the highest mean (M=3.73), while Mentoring & Guidance scored the lowest (M=3.07). Statistically significant differences were found, favoring traditional universities over technical ones across all dimensions.
Cross-Impact Matrix analysis uncovered a critical structural flaw, manifesting as a Gestalt Failure. Effective integration among the four dimensions was not achieved, as the Mentoring & Guidance dimension remained a weak and disconnected link, preventing the synergistic effect where "the whole is greater than the sum of its parts."
The study concluded that the core problem lies in the inability to translate strategic will into executive efficacy, diagnosing a Role Pathology. It recommended addressing this structural flaw by re-engineering executive empowerment mechanisms, strengthening the Mentoring & Guidance dimension, and particularly guiding technical universities to adopt integrative policies.
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Institutional Inertia, Entrepreneurial Transformation, University Performance, Structural Integration, Palestinian Universities.
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