How do Universities Engage Stakeholders in Implementing their Sustainability Efforts?

Jonalyn M. Periña will defend her MS in Sustainability Management Thesis entitled "How do Universities Engage Stakeholders in Implementing their Sustainability Efforts?"

March 22, 2023 at 3:30-5:00pm

Her adviser is Ma. Assunta C. Cuyegkeng, PhD.

Her panelists are:

Anna Angeline M. Cataluña, PhD

Alvin Patrick M. Valentin, PhD

Abstract:

Studies established that HEIs are important in the achievement of a sustainable future. HEIs produce competitive graduates who will help lead a sustainable country (Butt et al., 2014). They play a vital role in the formation and training of each student (Ngang et al., 2015). The literature has also shown that stakeholder engagement is beneficial in the development and implementation of these sustainability strategies. 
This study investigates the role that stakeholders played in the development and implementation of the various HEIs' regional sustainability initiatives. HEI stakeholders include students, instructors, administrators, and staff as well as parents, community, and business partners. Sustainability initiatives include programs, projects, and activities that promote environmental, social, and economic aspects in instruction, research, and extension work. They may also include those that involve the culture and lifestyle of the HEI. 
The Bicol region can benefit from stakeholder awareness and partnerships in these sustainability programs, because its economy is heavily dependent on agriculture and tourism, which are impacted by sustainability challenges. Furthermore, these efforts could increase the region’s capacity for coping with disasters due to constant exposure to extreme weather and geohazards. 
The research used qualitative methods. Semi-structured interviews with open-ended questions was used to interview eight HEI representatives involved with the HEI’s sustainability initiatives. The responses were analyzed using thematic analysis. 
Findings show the differences in the HEIs’ understanding of sustainability, and their approach in implementing sustainability activities and strategies. They share varying ways of how stakeholders contribute to the successful implementation of those initiatives.