CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY (CSR): IT BEGINS WITH STUDENTHOOD AT HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS

The concept of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is expected to be practiced by national and international organizations where various types of initiatives are taken towards sustaining and developing close and wider environments and communities. Equally, Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) take active role in community engagement activities, however that could be limited in terms of time span and served component of the society. Therefore, the research looks into the development of students’ awareness and attitudes during their studenthood at HEIs towards social responsibility, which shall be reflected in their career. In the long term such awareness and attitudes will contribute significantly to corporate social responsibilities and elevate the positive impact of products and services on environments and societies wellbeing.

Developing ethical-social responsibility among students requires to involve them in SOCIAL ACTION PROJECT as part of teaching and learning activities of offered programs at Higher Education Institutions through range of appropriate courses and activities. In social action projects students are expected to work individually or in teams to identify, plan and carry out solutions for problems within their university, community and beyond. The design of teaching and learning scenarios with focus on social action projects shall ensure that the graduates are not only fit for labor market but also cooperative, thoughtful and responsible citizen.

The authors of this paper represent range of disciplines such as design, engineering and economics to ensure that the approach of the research is applicable to students of various academic programs. Additionally, collaboration between educators with diverse backgrounds shall support knowledge sharing and provide creative integration of product and service solutions that serve the communities. In return, the graduates of specific programs will be able to collaborate with others as ethical and responsible citizen when they join the labor market both in private and public sectors.

The research examines types and areas of corporate social responsibility in wide range of industries. The data will be collected from primary and secondary sources to explore corporate social responsibility initiatives and best examples. Accordingly, a framework will be outlined to identify the range of competences and attributes which shall be developed during the studenthood through social action projects.

The authors of this paper aim to establish culture of excellence and instilling the spirit of initiative among young people and contribute to the preparation of an innovative generation and proactive leaders of the future. They shall be capable and welcoming to advance and sustain the prosperity of mankind by practicing pioneer social oriented projects and activities during their studenthood and to be continued for life long and reflected as habit and competences in their career within various corporate organizations.