Development of Capacity Building Mechanism for Non-Academic Staff in Public Sector Higher Education Institutions of Pakistan

Abstract

Non-academic staff play a critical role in the administration, governance, and operational efficiency of public sector higher education institutions (HEIs) in Pakistan. However, limited capacity-building initiatives hinder their professional development, affecting institutional performance. This study explores the training needs, challenges, and skill gaps among non-academic personnel and proposes a structured capacity-building mechanism. A pilot study with 50 participants was conducted using a quantitative survey approach, followed by statistical validation, reliability analysis, and exploratory factor analysis (EFA). The findings indicate insufficient training opportunities, resistance to digital transformation, and a lack of standardized professional development policies. The study emphasizes the need for HEC-led national training frameworks, dedicated funding, and competency-based learning models to enhance staff efficiency and institutional governance. The research provides evidence-based recommendations to improve non-academic staff development in Pakistan’s HEIs, ensuring long-term sustainability and operational effectiveness in higher education administration.