University Social Responsibility and Sustainable Development Awareness: The Mediating Effect of Corporate Social Responsibility Case of Qassim University

Abstract

The aim of this research is to identify the components and practices of university social responsibility (USR) – a concept based on corporate social responsibility - and its impact on development and sustainability. Here, it is necessary to develop a new perception of universities, in which we learn, develop and act. This work results from an exploratory approach based on a literature review and observations at Qassim University. The first stage of this research will adopt a qualitative approach, to identify and understand how USR is defined by the university community. The main goal of this stage is the development of items which will be used to measure USR at Qassim University. The second stage is a quantitative approach applied through administration of a questionnaire. A hypothesis test is elaborated by LISREL 8.52 according to a structural equation model (SEM) in which corporate social responsibility is considered a mediating variable between development and sustainability. From this research, a critical path for USR can be defined based on practices. We will also be able to recommend a pathway for sustainable development based on USR.