Shifting from social responsibility to innovation: A crucial dimension for quality management

Abstract

Purpose-The purpose of the current paper is to investigate the university social responsibility and innovation practices within four different public, private, national and international universities in Egypt. Also, it discusses and reflects on how shifting from university social-responsibility (USR) to social-innovation (USI) activities acts as a crucial dimension towards satisfying its quality management and accreditation requirements. Methodology-The researchers used a qualitative research approach while investigating the university social innovation initiatives carried out at four higher educational institutions as examples of public, private, national e-learning, and international universities in Egypt. Data were collected through depth interviews and focus groups with subject matter experts representing different stakeholders engaged in the social work in addition to quality management and accreditation processes at these institutions. Based on the current researchers' judgment, these four universities were able to manage their social responsibility practices in an innovative manner throughout different perspectives. Findings and practical/social implications-The findings of this research paper presents a framework for university leaders and managers about the successful practices that can be undertaken at their institutions in order to find innovative solutions to the social problems in their communities. Furthermore, it suggests embedding these university social innovation practices into their managerial operations; teaching, learning and research processes; and community outreach activities for the purpose of satisfying the national and international requirements for effective quality management and accreditation. Originality/value-Great attention has been directed by many studies towards the importance of corporate social responsibility in many manufacturing and service industries, yet little consideration has been given towards studying it in the context of higher education. Moreover, according to the authors' knowledge, there is a research gap that addresses the investigation of how university social innovation acts as a crucial dimension for satisfying its national and international quality management processes and accreditation requirements.