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Article Information:
Title:
Higher education as a change agent for sustainability in different cultures and contexts
Author(s):
Jennie C. Stephens, Maria E. Hernandez, Mikael Roman, Amanda C. Graham, Roland W. Scholz
Journal:
International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education
Year:
2008
Volume:
Issue:
Page:
317 - 338
DOI:
10.1108/14676370810885916
Publisher:
Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Acknowledgements:
The authors would like to thank Jin Qian who was integrally involved in the initial discussion of this paper. Jennie Stephens would also like to thank John Holdren, William Fisher, and Halina Brown for their inspiration and support in considering this topic.
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Abstract:
Purpose – The goal of this paper is to enhance consideration for the potential for institutions of higher education throughout the world, in different cultures and contexts, to be change agents for sustainability. As society faces unprecedented and increasingly urgent challenges associated with accelerating environmental change, resource scarcity, increasing inequality and injustice, as well as rapid technological change, new opportunities for higher education are emerging.
Design/methodology/approach – The paper builds on the emerging literature on transition management and identifies five critical issues to be considered in assessing the potential for higher education as a change agent in any particular region or place. To demonstrate the value of these critical issues, exemplary challenges and opportunities in different contexts are provided.
Findings – The five critical issues include regional-specific dominant sustainability challenges, financing structure and independence, institutional organization, the extent of democratic processes, and communication and interaction with society.
Originality/value – Given that the challenges and opportunities for higher education as a change agent are context-specific, identifying, synthesizing, and integrating common themes is a valuable and unique contribution.
Keywords:
Change management,
Higher education,
Sustainable development,
Transition management
Article Type:
Conceptual paper
References:
Article URL:
www.emeraldinsight.com/10.1108/14676370810885916