Transnational universities, host communities and local residents: social impacts, university social responsibility and campus sustainability

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to discuss how transnational universities create negative and positive social impacts on their host communities and what this means for campus sustainability and the expectation that universities contribute to sustainable development and to their local communities. Design/methodology/approach Using mixed methods, a multiple case study approach and qualitative meta-analysis, this study considers six transnational university campuses in China in terms of their relationship with local communities. Findings Because of the good reputation of universities generally, local residents tended to accord a social licence to operate (i.e. approval) to new university campuses. However, universities generally do not manage their social impacts, as well as many other industries and generally fail to consider the corporate social responsibility issues and the environmental, social and governance aspects of their activities. To improve their social licence to operate and grow and to meet expectations around “university social responsibility”, campus developments should observe key international principles and human rights standards: full disclosure of information; effective community engagement; appropriate resettlement and livelihood restoration; effective harm reduction procedures; provision of local benefits (benefit sharing); monitoring and adaptive management and implement a grievance redress mechanism. Originality/value This paper encourages broader thinking about sustainability in a higher education context and about what university social responsibility entails. Specifically, this study argues that the relationship between universities and their host communities also needs to be considered, especially during campus construction.

University Social Responsibility during The Covid-19 Pandemic: Lessons from the Indonesian Context

“…It does not matter how big or small the contribution is, direct or indirect, but all of them will impact real-life sectors in society. It is in line with Chen's opinion, stating that universities are responsible for contributing to the country and the local community in economic, social, and cultural aspects (Chen & Vanclay, 2021).…”

“…Besides corporations and organizations, universities also have a responsibility to contribute to the country and the local community in economic, social, and cultural aspects (Chen & Vanclay, 2021). During the Covid-19 pandemic, universities can demonstrate their contribution by defining the direction of a country's development in economic crisis and assisting in successful political and social decision-making (Rababah et al, 2021).…”

A conceptual framework for the corporate sustainability higher education in Latin America

“…In an increasingly globalized and connected world that encourages innovation, implementing corporate sustainability policies and practices becomes a healthy condition for the strengthening of higher education in the countries and, in this specific paper, in Latin America. Chen and Vanclay (2021) presented the term “University Social Responsibility,” strengthening the social movement that must occur in higher education. Next, based on the literature analyzed and through the opportunities and challenges found in it, the authors of this study propose “A conceptual framework for the corporate sustainability higher education in Latin America.”…”

Responsabilidad social de la universidad peruana en el contexto de la educación virtual

“…En esa situación de incertidumbre social, aun cuando muchas universidades afirman que trabajan junto con sus comunidades anfitrionas y desarrollan una buena relación con los residentes locales, a menudo hay poca evidencia para estas afirmaciones. Al respecto, Chen y Vanclay (2021) afirman que la universidad además de contribuir al aprendizaje global, a la educación de los estudiantes, al desarrollo de la comunidad y a otros cambios positivos en la sociedad, también genera una amplia gama de impactos sociales negativos en sus comunidades anfitrionas, originados por la alta movilidad de personas y la concentración de éstas en una o varias instituciones.…”

“…Frente a ese escenario, las universidades necesitan implementar procedimientos efectivos para asegurar la divulgación completa de información; el compromiso efectivo de la comunidad; el reasentamiento y los medios de subsistencia apropiados; la restauración o reducción efectiva de daños; la provisión de beneficios locales (distribución de beneficios); el seguimiento y la gestión adaptativa; y, además, un mecanismo de reparación de los agravios que causen (Chen y Vanclay, 2021).…”