Professors and university social responsibility: a qualitative network analysis

Abstract

The objective of this research study is to examine and to optimize the application of the university social responsibility (USR) concept issued by professors at a Colombian higher education institution. The sample (54 subjects) is selected by optimal allocation from different academic programs. The results obtained by applying a network qualitative analysis show the most predominant perceptions among professors about USR. Professors assume a moralistic behavior. They feel that they are in debt with themselves and that they belong to society. It is concluded that professor engagement is vital to improve living conditions on campus environments since their behaviors determine the USR practices that universities should implement. This suggests that higher education institutions should appeal to a reticular governance model and not to a vertical structure model, which prevails in a number of higher education institutions.