Mapping the pathways to innovation in PhD scholars: the interplay of university structure, academic leadership and psychological capital

This study investigates the impact of university structure, academic leadership, and psychological capital on the innovation capabilities of PhD scholars in Haryana's state, central, deemed, and private universities. Using a quantitative survey method, data were gathered via online (204 responses) and offline (210 responses) questionnaires rated on a 1 to 5 Likert scale. Participants were chosen through stratified random sampling. Data analysis was performed with PLS-SEM 4 (partial least squares structural equation modelling) after validating and confirming the reliability of the questionnaires. Validity was determined by correlating individual question items with the overall item score for each variable. The analysis addressed the research questions and tested the hypotheses. Results highlight that psychological capital has the most substantial and statistically significant effect on enhancing the innovation capacity of PhD scholars.