Exploring environmental sustainability of academia as a working space

Abstract

Purpose This study aims to examine the organizational citizenship behaviors toward the environment among US-based faculty members, in social sciences, natural sciences, the humanities and engineering. Potential barriers that may stop academia from being more sustainable are examined but also the opportunities for academics to be involved in environmental sustainability are explored. Design/methodology/approach The authors followed a sequential explanatory mixed methods approach using online surveys (n = 633) followed by open-ended phone interviews (n = 28). Findings Results suggest that there are certain power dynamics that force young faculty members in anti-environmental behaviors, although they are cognizant of the negative impacts on the environment. Many faculty members engage in environmental-related actions outside their service requirements, but this is mostly the case for tenured faculty members. Originality/value The originality of this study lies in the fact that it explores environmental behaviors from an academic ranking perspective and expands on pertinent barriers to promote sustainable behaviors in academia.