Exploring environmental sustainability of academia as a working space.

Stavrianakis, Kostas; Ramos, William

Abstract

Purpose - This study aims to examine the organizational citizenship behaviors toward the environment among US-based faculty members, in social sciences, natural sciences, the humanities and engineering. Potential barriers that may stop academia from being more sustainable are examined but also the opportunities for academics to be involved in environmental sustainability are explored. Design/methodology/approach –The authors followed a sequential explanatory mixed methods approach using online surveys (n= 633) followed by open-ended phone interviews (n =28). Findings –Results suggest that there are certain power dynamics that force young faculty members in anti-environmental behaviors, although they are cognizant of the negative impacts on the environment. Many faculty members engage in environmental-related actions outside their service requirements, but this is mostly the case for tenured faculty members. Originality/value –The originality of this study lies in the fact that it explores environmental behaviors from an academic ranking perspective and expands on pertinent barriers to promote sustainable behaviors in academia.

Citation

STAVRIANAKIS, K. and RAMOS, W. 2022. Exploring environmental sustainability of academia as a working space. International journal of sustainability in higher education [online], 23(5), pages 1107-1124. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1108/IJSHE-02-2021-0045

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Sep 25, 2021
• Online Publication Date: Oct 22, 2021
• Publication Date: May 10, 2022
• Deposit Date: Oct 22, 2021
• Publicly Available Date: Nov 15, 2021
• Journal: International journal of sustainability in higher education
• Print ISSN: 1467-6370
• Electronic ISSN: 1758-6739
• Publisher: Emerald
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 23
• Issue: 5
• Pages: 1107-1124
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/IJSHE-02-2021-0045
• Keywords: Cognitive dissonance; Mixed methods; Flying; Academics; OCBE
• Public URL: https://rgu-repository.worktribe.com/output/1500584