Title: Adapting to the digital pivot: a mixed-method exploration of faculty dissatisfaction in higher education during the pandemic, unveiling a framework, challenges and pathways for online learning

Authors: Vishnu Lal; G. Varaprasad; Parvathi Jayaprakash

Addresses: Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Institute of Technology Calicut, NIT Campus P.O, Kozhikode 673601, Kerala, India ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Institute of Technology Calicut, NIT Campus P.O, Kozhikode 673601, Kerala, India ' Symbiosis Institute of Business Management Bengaluru, Hosur Rd., Electronics City Phase 1, Electronic City, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560100, India

Abstract: The concerns of the faculty in higher education amidst the sudden shift to online learning remain relatively underexamined. The study uses an exploratory mixed-method design to create a framework for understanding faculty dissatisfaction due to the unwilling and unexpected transition to online learning. Thematic analysis of the qualitative data generated seven key themes, which were used to design a structured questionnaire for broader data collection. PLS-SEM was used for multivariate data analysis, and results revealed an explanatory power of 70.7% for the proposed model. The findings will aid educational institutes and policymakers to prepare better for future emergencies. Recommendations for the evolving landscape of higher education, characterised by a blend of online and face-to-face learning, are discussed. This research also presents a roadmap for future research to further explore and address the multifaceted issues surrounding online education as it continues to shape the future of higher education.

Keywords: mixed-method research; framework; faculty dissatisfaction; e-learning; remote learning; higher education; exploratory research; thematic analysis; SmartPLS; barriers to online learning.

DOI: 10.1504/IJICBM.2026.155490

International Journal of Indian Culture and Business Management, 2026 Vol.38 No.3, pp.401 - 426

Received: 05 Feb 2024
Accepted: 12 May 2024
Published online: 03 Aug 2026 *

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