Barbara Borusiak, Bartlomiej Pieranski, Aleksandra Gaweł, David B López Lluch, Krisztián Kis, Sándor Nagy, Jozsef Gal, Anna Mravcová, Jana Gálová, Blazenka Knezevic, Pavel Kotyza, Lubos Smutka and Karel Malec
Increasing the need for education for sustainable development in universities requires an understanding of the predictors of students’ environmental concern (EC). In this paper…
Abstract
Purpose
Increasing the need for education for sustainable development in universities requires an understanding of the predictors of students’ environmental concern (EC). In this paper, the authors focus on the EC of business students because of their future responsibility for business operations regarding the exploitation of natural resources. The aim of the study is to examine the predictors of business students’ environmental concern.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on the Norm Activation Model as the theoretical framework, this study hypothesizes the model of EC with two main predictors: ascription of responsibility for the environment (AOR), driven by locus of control and self-efficacy (LC/SE), and awareness of positive consequences of consumption reduction on the environment (AOC), driven by perceived environmental knowledge. Structural equation modelling was applied to confirm the conceptual model based on the responses of business students from six countries (Czech Republic, Croatia, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia and Spain) collected through an online survey.
Findings
The environmental concern of business students is predicted both by the ascription of responsibility and by awareness of consequences; however, the ascription of responsibility is a stronger predictor of EC. A strong impact was found for internal locus of control and self-efficacy on AOR, as well as a weaker influence of perceived environmental knowledge on AOC.
Originality/value
Sustainability education dedicated to business students should provide environmental knowledge and strengthen their internal locus of control and self-efficacy in an environmental context.
Details
Keywords
The social dimension of sustainable development has garnered increasing attention. As universities embrace their social responsibility and consider the interests of various…
Abstract
Purpose
The social dimension of sustainable development has garnered increasing attention. As universities embrace their social responsibility and consider the interests of various stakeholders, the potential issue of social washing has emerged as a critical topic. This study aims to investigate the presence of social washing in university sustainability reports.
Design/methodology/approach
The study examines three key stakeholder elements: full-time faculty salaries, weekly teaching hours for full-time faculty and hourly wages for part-time faculty. A content analysis was conducted on the 2022 sustainability reports published by all private universities registered in Taiwan.
Findings
Results indicate that only 30% of private universities published independent sustainability reports for 2022, and of those, only 62.5% adhered to global reporting initiative guidelines. The study raises concerns about selective disclosure and the concealment of negative information, suggesting the possibility of social washing. This investigation offers an overview of social washing in the sustainability reports of higher education institutions, thereby contributing to the academic discourse on comprehensive and transparent communication with stakeholders.
Social implications
Universities should take into account the interests of stakeholders and embrace greater social responsibility in their sustainability initiatives. This study analyzes the content of university sustainability reports and encourages higher education institutions to foster balanced communication with their stakeholders.
Originality/value
Social washing is difficult to detect. This study uses objective indicators to assist higher education institutions in identifying potential social washing behaviors and provides guidance for universities to avoid misleading communication in their sustainability reports.