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Academia as a driver of change: a bibliometric analysis of pro-environmental behavior in higher education institutions

Walton Wider, Katarzyna Iwinska, Jiaming Lin, Muhammad Ashraf Fauzi, Syed Far Abid Hossain, Leilei Jiang, Lester Naces Udang

International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education

ISSN: 1467-6370

Article publication date: 1 October 2024

110

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of pro-environmental behavior (PEB) research within higher education institutions (HEIs), highlighting current trends and future challenges.

Design/methodology/approach

Using 198 journal articles from the Web of Science, the study conducts co-citation, bibliographic coupling and co-word analyses to map influential publications and forecast trends.

Findings

The co-citation analysis revealed three distinct clusters: value-driven environmental behavior, intention-based environmental behavior and green organizational practices and employee PEB. The bibliographic coupling and the co-word analysis revealed more nuanced clusters, holistically identifying academic activities towards PEB. The authors conclude that more strategic and PEB-oriented HEI’s actions are crucial due to the social responsibility of the universities for sustainable development.

Originality/value

This paper provides valuable insights into the expanding area of PEB research and climate leadership empowerment within HEIs. The practical implications of this research are significant for HEIs. It guides the creation of effective policies and interventions to foster sustainable behavior and reduce environmental harm. The study shows the development of educational programs and campaigns promoting sustainable practices among individuals and communities, emphasizing the role of HEIs in cultivating a sustainability-conscious generation.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

This study was funded by Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah Fundamental Research Grant (Grant No. RDU 220357).

Citation

Wider, W., Iwinska, K., Lin, J., Fauzi, M.A., Hossain, S.F.A., Jiang, L. and Udang, L.N. (2024), "Academia as a driver of change: a bibliometric analysis of pro-environmental behavior in higher education institutions", International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJSHE-08-2023-0353

Publisher

:

Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2024, Emerald Publishing Limited

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