CSR Reporting Practices: The Case of University of Bari

Abstract

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is a relevant topic for researchers and practitioners, widely explored with reference to companies. However, there are still few studies that address how higher education institutions integrate CSR practices into their strategy. This represents an important limitation since the university, through academic training and research activity, is the main promoter of CSR practices among different categories of stakeholders. Given the many benefits associated with the adoption of CSR, this study aims to explore the topic of CSR in universities, as they are institutions that act in the public interest and represent the ideal context for spreading the culture of preserving environmental and social, as well as economic, sustainability. The main purpose of this study is to explore, through the methodology of case studies, the type and effectiveness of the tools used by universities, specifically the University of Bari, to disseminate and integrate CSR into corporate strategy. Furthermore, this study aims to investigate how the university ensures the involvement of stakeholders, represented in particular by professors, administrators and students (stakeholder approach), in CSR initiatives. The analysis revealed the centrality of the investigated university in promoting CSR issues and sustainable territorial development. Finally, the study provides empirical evidence of the actions and methods of integrating CSR practices into corporate strategy and the ways in which stakeholders are involved.

University social responsibility and sustainable development: illustration of adapted practices by two Tunisian Universities

“…Nevertheless, according to Luangsay-Catelin and Gasner-Bouquet (2018), the latter remains a fairly elastic notion and little examined within universities. Although Petitjean et al (2021) confirmed that at a time of global competition between universities, sustainable development (SD) constituted a significant factor and, therefore, a strategic and governance issue (Nicolo `et al, 2023;Campobasso et al, 2022;Castillo-Villar, 2020;Storey et al, 2017). Meeting the needs of the inhabitants of a local or regional territory in terms of social life and culture is now one of the missions of the USR (Annoot, 2012;Amani, 2023).…”

“…Universities hold immense potential as catalysts for sustainable change, given their unique position as hubs of intellectual and human resources (Agustina et al, 2023;Amani, 2023;Campobasso et al, 2022). The university social responsibility (USR) is a burgeoning theme at the center of interest (Agustina et al, 2023;Annoot, 2012;Nardo et al, 2021;Luangsay-Catelin and Gasner-Bouquet, 2018;Rolland and de La Debutrie, 2018;Petitjean et al, 2021;Mazur et al, 2023).In recent years, academic circles have integrated this issue into study programs and courses (Mazur et al, 2023; Tauginien _ e and Urbanovi c, 2018).…”

“…The lack of a cohesive framework that aligns these two critical aspects raises a compelling problematic: how can universities, as knowledge-generating institutions, effectively disseminate and implement sustainable practices within their own campuses while also extending their influence to societal transformation? Accordingly, the literature gap is particularly evident in the absence of a unified theoretical framework that comprehensively addresses the intricate connections between these components (Campobasso et al, 2022). This absence of an in-depth exploration impedes not only scholarly progress but also practical action (Agustina et al, 2023).…”

Corporate Social Responsibility, Stakeholder Engagement, and Universities

“…The first paper about universities' social responsibility initiatives is "SR Reporting Practices: The Case of University of Bari" by Campobasso et al (2022). This paper examines how the University of Bari disseminates and integrates corporate social responsibility (CSR) into corporate strategy through a case study approach.…”

The Moderating Effect of Brand Trust during COVID -19 Pandemic in the relationship between CSR practices and Brand Loyalty of Egyptian Commercial Banks

“…On the external level, this includes activities like charitable giving, donation, volunteer service, providing resources to their customers, assist societies to ensure their safety and well-being, and safeguarding the environment. CSR practices have become essential and exceedingly popular, with their implementation being regarded as a necessity for firms' continuity and success, irrespective of company size (Halkos & Nomikos, 2021;Campobasso et al, 2022).…”