Cosmopolitanism, Digital Readiness, and Faculty Engagement in Higher Education Transformation

This study investigates the impact of cosmopolitanism’s sub-dimensions (cultural, ethical, transnational media usage, and inclusive communication cosmopolitanism) and digital readiness on Korean university faculty members’ intention to embrace globalization and online education. A questionnaire was administered via the University Innovation Support Project to faculty members from 146 South Korean universities in September 2021. Analyzing responses from 227 participants, the study reveals that ethical cosmopolitanism and transnational media usage cosmopolitanism positively influence globalization intention, while ethical cosmopolitanism and inclusive communication cosmopolitanism have significantly enhanced online education intention. Furthermore, digital readiness has direct positive effects on both intentions and exhibits positive interaction effects with some sub-dimensions of cosmopolitanism on globalization and online education intentions. The study concludes by discussing the theoretical and practical implications of these findings for enhancing global competency in higher education.