The Importance of University Social Responsibility in Hispanic America: A Responsible Trend in Developing Countries
Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability: Emerging Trends in Developing Economies
ISBN: 978-1-78441-152-7, eISBN: 978-1-78441-151-0
Publication date: 17 September 2014
Abstract
Purpose
To review and understand the importance of a well-known movement among universities in Hispanic America called “university social responsibility” (USR). USR places responsible and sustainable practices in the bottom line of everyday university management processes (e.g., campus operations, teaching, research, and community outreach).
Methodology/approach
Through a selection of relevant literature in USR, the concept, origins, importance, and implementation of USR practices are discussed in three sections (corporate social responsibility, the importance of USR, and planning, developing, and evaluating USR).
Findings
Results indicate the relevance of the practice of USR in Hispanic America because it points out specific impacts and core areas that other definitions (e.g., CSR) have not considered. Practical cases from different Hispanic universities are shown as examples of the practice of USR.
Research limitations
This chapter does not present a complete list of all authors that have studied USR. However, it fulfills to introduce, review, and grasp the practice of USR.
Practical implications
It serves as a guide to all members of the university community (e.g., administrators, professors, students, researchers, and local communities) to understand the role of universities in achieving sustainable development.
Originality/value of chapter
USR is an emergent approach that promotes responsible everyday management. This chapter is a starting point for new reflections, theories, and discussions regarding USR around the world. It also engages in further studies regarding USR in other developing regions like Africa, Asia, or Eastern Europe.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
Acknowledgment
The research for this chapter was conducted while the author was based at the School of Communication, University of Puerto Rico Río Piedras Campus, Río Piedras, Puerto Rico, USA. However, the author is currently Assistant Professor at School of Social Sciences and Humanities, Universidad del Este, Carolina, Puerto Rico, USA.
Citation
Gomez, L. (2014), "The Importance of University Social Responsibility in Hispanic America: A Responsible Trend in Developing Countries", Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability: Emerging Trends in Developing Economies (Critical Studies on Corporate Responsibility, Governance and Sustainability, Vol. 8), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 241-268. https://doi.org/10.1108/S2043-905920140000008013
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2014 Emerald Group Publishing Limited