Responsabilidade social universitária: uma análise das concepções de gestores e não gestores da Universidade Federal da Paraíba

Abstract

The objective of this thesis was to analyze the conceptions of managers and non-managers at the Federal University of Paraíba (UFPB) regarding University Social Responsibility (USR). To achieve the research objectives, I employed phenomenography as a research method, as it enables an understanding of the problem through the multiple variations in how participants experience the phenomenon. In this study, I present USR as a collective construction approach, stemming from the interaction between the university and its stakeholders, highlighting how this interaction influences the institution’s activities. Based on 49 interviews, I sought to understand how these conceptions of USR are experienced by both academic and administrative managers and non-managers at UFPB. The USR conceptions identified in this study are: Institutional Mission, Sustainability Pathway, Governance, and Social Transformation. This work aims to discuss how these conceptions are relevant to enhancing certain university practices, demonstrating that Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) should not distance themselves from the principles of social responsibility and the pursuit of becoming socially responsible organizations. This debate becomes pertinent as it may facilitate the development of new concepts within the USR field and guide certain university practices towards multidimensional and participatory management. I also emphasize the importance of USR for universities to achieve acceptable standards in evaluation processes, as well as the conditions and limitations for responding to their stakeholders’ demands. The findings of this thesis indicate that participants' conceptions of USR include aspects such as the ethical formation of students, transforming universities into sustainable campuses and more welcoming spaces, reducing risks faced by institutions, establishing participatory management, designing policies to reduce social inequalities, including minorities, and creating partnerships. These elements underscore the importance of USR-oriented management and highlight the fundamental role of universities in promoting social well-being and human development.