The Relationship Between Job Engagement and Competitive Advantage in Palestinian Public Universities/Afield Study

The study aimed to identify the relationship between job engagement and competitive advantage from the perspective of employees in Palestinian public universities. A questionnaire was used to collect data from a stratified random sample consisting of (263) individuals. The study followed the descriptive correlational approach. The results indicated that the level of job engagement among employees in Palestinian universities was high, with the dimension of dedication and commitment ranking first, followed by vigor, and then enthusiasm. The results also showed that the level of competitive advantage was high, with academic quality ranking first, followed by responsiveness to market needs, then scientific research. Finally, the study found a statistically significant relationship between job engagement and competitive advantage. However, there was a weak relationship between dedication and commitment and competitive advantage. The study concluded with several recommendations, the most important of which are: the necessity for Palestinian universities to adopt administrative policies that focus on enhancing employees’ enthusiasm and vigor, strengthening the relationship between universities and labor market sectors, and supporting scientific research as a primary source of excellence.