Abstract

This paper reports the results of the empirical evaluation of a theoretical model developed through an in-depth review of relevant literature which culminated in postulating that if postgraduate (PG) students are clear about their role as co-creators of the PG service and, if the research climate (OC) is supportive of research, then this will impact on their perception of PG service quality delivered by the PG research supervisor (EQUAL). The implications of the model for management of quality in postgraduate education through managing the PG service encounter, becomes apparent.

Key words: Organizational climate, postgraduate service encounter, postgraduate service quality, postgraduate student role clarity.