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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

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Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2014 Emerald Group Publishing Limited