INSIGHTS INTO THE HISTORY OF DEVELOPING SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY IN HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS IN UKRAINE

Abstract

The article explores the evolution of the social responsibility concept along with discussing its specifics in the area of higher education. In particular, it is noted that the core of social responsibility is the idea that organizations should strive not only to make their own profits but also to be aware of the multiple effects from their activities to society. In this context, corporate social responsibility is viewed as bringing together the interests of the company and society. Particular emphasis is put towards the analysis of the impact of corporate social responsibility which is primarily related to ethical and transparent behavior and promotes sustainable development, health and well-being in society subject to stakeholder expectations and compliance with current regulations and standards. The study reveals that like other marketing factors initially associated with the commercial settings, social responsibility has expanded to the non-commercial sector, including education. The hypothesis of the study is a statement that social responsibility of universities for their decisions and activities and their impact on society and the environment is being realized through transparent and ethical strategies. The purpose of this study is to trace the history of developing social responsibility in higher education institutions in Ukraine. To attain the research agenda, descriptive analysis, as well as research and confirmatory factor analysis were employed; quantitative data were collected through a questionnaire developed on the basis of a literature review and the qualitative research results. The study has revealed a close correlation between the economic, natural and social environments, in particular, by creating new rules for the higher education system in Ukraine. The findings present a history of interpreting the notion of social responsibility in higher education in Ukraine which reflects the understanding of the complexity and the multifaceted nature of this concept from different perspectives: economic, social or environmental. Therefore, the ultimate priorities can vary greatly. The study asserts that the contribution of social responsibility into the growth of the nation's well-being, associated with the quality and growing effects of the higher education system and its institutions, is of a critical importance. It is argued that the implementation of research-based policies and the use of best practices of European universities in a particular area of social responsibility will facilitate better understanding of the basic principles of social responsibility, illustrating and modeling its values, principles and behaviours needed to find new socially responsible solutions to modern humanity challenges.