Implementing the Principles of Social Responsibility in Higher Education Institutions

Abstract

To identify the principles of social responsibility implemented in higher education institutions, a literature and document analysis as well as qualitative research was carried out at the Faculty of Arts and Creative Technologies of Vilniaus Kolegija / Higher Education Institution (VIKO ACTF). The article analyses the implementation of the principles of social responsibility in higher education institutions from the point of view of teaching staff. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted interviewing 12 lecturers: two lecturers from each of the six study programmes of the VIKO ACTF with at least 5 years of experience working in an organisation, holding a university degree, who were involved in socially responsible activities. The qualitative data processing and analysis process was used and included: transcription, coding, distinguishing key categories and sub-categories, and presenting summary results. The summary of the views of the teachers who participated in the in-depth semi-structured interviews revealed that the principles of social responsibility are being implemented at VIKO ACTF. Teachers identified such priority principles of social responsibility as ethical behaviour, transparency, the importance of stakeholders' interests, the elimination of social inequalities, and the protection of the environment, which they integrate voluntarily in their work. The implementation of social responsibility principles has led to positive changes in terms of reducing negative environmental impacts, increasing accessibility of activities remotely, cooperation with partners and social exclusion groups. All the teachers who participated in the study answered unequivocally that the principles of social responsibility contribute significantly to the effective operation of higher education institutions (HEIs) and promote trust in the organisation.