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Motivations and outcomes in dual-degree programs: insights from graduate scholarships for Indonesian civil servants

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Abstract

The present study investigates the motivations and outcomes of Indonesian civil servants and prospective civil servants who received Indonesian, Australian, and Japanese government scholarships to study for graduate dual-degrees domestically in Indonesia and internationally in either Australia or Japan. A survey was administered to 162 current and former dual-degree students, followed by ten semi-structured interviews. Survey data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, two factor analyses, and a multivariate analysis of variance, while interview data were analyzed utilizing two cycles of coding. The survey and interview findings both showed that participants were highly motivated by the opportunity to study abroad and experience personal growth more so than by career benefits. Further, interview findings indicated that some participants were motivated by the prestige of an overseas education and the opportunity to enhance one’s social status. Regarding outcomes, survey and interview data showed that participants perceived development in their professional knowledge and soft skills through their dual-degree programs. Moreover, the interviews highlighted potential organizational benefits via networking and knowledge sharing as well as the impact of organizational context and career field on participants’ career advancement opportunities. Lastly, utilizing a multivariate analysis of variance, the survey findings showed that there was a relationship between study abroad location and student motivations and outcomes; participants might have been biased and perceived that studying in Australia provided greater personal and career benefits compared to studying in Japan. Together, these findings have implications for dual-degree program managers as well as Indonesian government organizations employing dual-degree graduates.

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank two anonymous reviewers for helpful comments on earlier drafts of the manuscript.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Center for the Study of Higher Education, University of Arizona, 1430 East Second Street, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA

    John P. Haupt

  2. Atma Jaya Catholic University of Indonesia, Jalan Jenderal Sudirman No. 51, Jakarta Selatan, 12980, Indonesia

    Agustian Sutrisno

  3. International Business Program, Management Department, BINUS Business School, BINUS University, Jalan Hang Lekir I No.6, Senayan Jakarta, 10270, Indonesia

    Marko S. Hermawan

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  1. John P. Haupt
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Appendix

Appendix

Semi-structured interview questions

  1. 1.

    Please tell us about your educational background and professional career.

  2. 2.

    Can you discuss what motivated you to enroll in your dual-degree program?

  3. 3.

    How do you believe that you have benefited from your experience in the dual-degree program?

  4. 4.

    What are/were some of the challenges you experienced while in the dual-degree program?

  5. 5.

    How do you believe that earning a dual degree has/will impact(ed) your career?

  6. 6.

    How did/has your experience in your dual-degree program impact(ed) your social and professional networks?

  7. 7.

    In what ways has the knowledge and/or skills gained through your dual-degree program equipped you for your work?

  8. 8.

    What are your future career and educational goals?

  9. 9.

    If you could choose again to enroll in your dual-degree program, would you do it? Why or why not?

  10. 10.

    Would you like to add any additional comments? Is there something you think is important to know about the dual-degree program that we did not ask, and you want to share with us?

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Haupt, J.P., Sutrisno, A. & Hermawan, M.S. Motivations and outcomes in dual-degree programs: insights from graduate scholarships for Indonesian civil servants. Asia Pacific Educ. Rev. 22, 535–548 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12564-021-09687-9

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