Factors Affect the Social Responsibility among Universities in Saudi Arabia: The Role of Government Support

Abstract

Research into Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) focused on business organizations in developed countries. The purpose of this research is to examine the factors that affect the CSR in public universities in Saudi Arabia. Building on stakeholder theory and transformational leadership (TL) theory, this study proposed that TL and its dimension will have a significant effect on CSR. Training is expected to affect CSR and mediate the effect of TL on CSR. Government support (GS) is expected to moderate the effect of TL on CSR. Data was collected from 319 academic staff in eight public universities in Saudi Arabia. The data was analysed using Smart PLS. The findings showed that TL and training affected the CSR. All the dimensions of TL have significant effects except for the individualized consideration. Training mediated the effect of TL on CSR while GS moderated the effect of TL on CSR. Decision makers are recommended to implement effective training and TL style. Government support is critical for improving the role of CSR by universities.