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Socio-environmental responsibility in Iranian universities: a multidimensional perspective

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  21 September 2023

Mahdi Kolahi Open the ORCID record for Mahdi Kolahi [Opens in a new window]  and
Rogaieh AzimiSeginSara
Mahdi Kolahi*
Affiliation:
Faculty of Natural Resources and Environment, Water and Environment Research Institute, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
Rogaieh AzimiSeginSara
Affiliation:
Living Green Empowerment Organization, Tehran, Iran
*
Corresponding author: Mahdi Kolahi; Email: MahdiKolahi@um.ac.ir
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Summary

Universities are expected to play a pivotal role in promoting environmental conservation goals, yet a comprehensive analysis of their actual contributions remains limited. This study delves into the perceptions of socio-environmental responsibility among faculty members within Iran’s top 13 universities. Using random cluster sampling, we collected 410 questionnaires from these institutions, evaluating socio-environmental responsibility through eight distinct variables. The outcomes unveil widespread deficiencies in responsibility across all universities, with 66% exhibiting low levels of engagement. Notably, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources displays the lowest level, while Bu-Ali Sina University ranks highest. The research variables exhibit significant positive correlations, elucidating the interconnectedness of different aspects of socio-environmental responsibility. Furthermore, the study identifies a significant disparity in mean university socio-environmental responsibility concerning gender, although no significant relationships are found with factors such as professors’ academic rank, employment status or age. Sixteen codes are highlighted based on qualitative analysis. These findings underscore the urgency for universities to redefine their roles within the community and prioritize community empowerment, stakeholder engagement, capacity building and environmental education. By addressing these facets, universities can elevate their levels of socio-environmental responsibility and contribute more effectively to environmental conservation efforts.

Keywords

Capacity buildingcommunity empowermentenvironmental educationsocial responsibilitystakeholder engagement
Type
Research Paper
Information
Environmental Conservation , Volume 50 , Issue 4 , December 2023 , pp. 267 - 274
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Copyright
© The Author(s), 2023. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of Foundation for Environmental Conservation

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