164
I. I. Berchin et al.
Questionnaire 2nd Question: Are You Aware of the Sustainable Development
Goals of the United Nations?
Three out of the seven interviewees considered that they were deeply aware of the
SDGs and four of them had some knowledge of the SDGs. Universities have a key
role to create and disseminate knowledge, using sustainable practices (Leal Filho
2011). However, the number of university managers holding a deep knowledge of
the SDGs is insufficient and warns of the need for further training of academic staff.
The world community is increasing the pressure for leaders to make responsible
decision-making towards sustainable development. Therefore, university managers
have great knowledge at their disposal (i.e. specialists that integrate the academia)
and the tools (i.e. students, alumni, the campus) to promote sustainable development
paths in their surrounding communities.
Questionnaire 3rd Question: In Your Opinion as a University Manager, Do
Universities Have a Responsibility for Sustainable Development?
Although the seven interviewees confirmed that universities have a responsibility to
promote sustainable development, two of them understand that their institutions are
not doing enough to achieve the SDGs. One of the interviewees indicated that among
the greatest challenges for the promotion of sustainable development in universities
is the administration; management systems used by these institutions are usually
outdated and difficult to change.
Transforming organizational systems creates barriers due to the employees’ resistance to change (Leal Filho et al. 2017). This is often endorsed by the lack of commitment or the lack of awareness of the employees to matters related to sustainability
and the environment. The fact is that these barriers have a negative impact on the
effectiveness of universities’ sustainable practices, such as the integration of immigrants in the universities’ academic and social routines. The interviewee also stated
that there is more economic pressure than scientific awareness available to support
decision-making to implement sustainability in organizations.
Another interviewee argued that universities are key social agents that hold
the responsibility to promote sustainability and awareness throughout society;
and to improve their contribution to sustainable development these institutions
should implement education for sustainable development in their courses, using the
knowledge and technologies at their disposal to promote local development and
environmental quality.
Questionnaire 4th Question: How is Your University Promoting Sustainable
Development? What Are the Key-Programs and Actions Towards
Sustainability Developed by Your University?
One of the interviewees argued that universities should promote the SDGs “through
subjects that discuss environmental education and propose alternative technologies
of development that respect the environment”. Also “promoting projects to engage
students with the local community through outreach and initiatives on campus,
providing the students with critical knowledge and awareness of real-life challenges”.
I. I. Berchin et al.
Questionnaire 2nd Question: Are You Aware of the Sustainable Development
Goals of the United Nations?
Three out of the seven interviewees considered that they were deeply aware of the
SDGs and four of them had some knowledge of the SDGs. Universities have a key
role to create and disseminate knowledge, using sustainable practices (Leal Filho
2011). However, the number of university managers holding a deep knowledge of
the SDGs is insufficient and warns of the need for further training of academic staff.
The world community is increasing the pressure for leaders to make responsible
decision-making towards sustainable development. Therefore, university managers
have great knowledge at their disposal (i.e. specialists that integrate the academia)
and the tools (i.e. students, alumni, the campus) to promote sustainable development
paths in their surrounding communities.
Questionnaire 3rd Question: In Your Opinion as a University Manager, Do
Universities Have a Responsibility for Sustainable Development?
Although the seven interviewees confirmed that universities have a responsibility to
promote sustainable development, two of them understand that their institutions are
not doing enough to achieve the SDGs. One of the interviewees indicated that among
the greatest challenges for the promotion of sustainable development in universities
is the administration; management systems used by these institutions are usually
outdated and difficult to change.
Transforming organizational systems creates barriers due to the employees’ resistance to change (Leal Filho et al. 2017). This is often endorsed by the lack of commitment or the lack of awareness of the employees to matters related to sustainability
and the environment. The fact is that these barriers have a negative impact on the
effectiveness of universities’ sustainable practices, such as the integration of immigrants in the universities’ academic and social routines. The interviewee also stated
that there is more economic pressure than scientific awareness available to support
decision-making to implement sustainability in organizations.
Another interviewee argued that universities are key social agents that hold
the responsibility to promote sustainability and awareness throughout society;
and to improve their contribution to sustainable development these institutions
should implement education for sustainable development in their courses, using the
knowledge and technologies at their disposal to promote local development and
environmental quality.
Questionnaire 4th Question: How is Your University Promoting Sustainable
Development? What Are the Key-Programs and Actions Towards
Sustainability Developed by Your University?
One of the interviewees argued that universities should promote the SDGs “through
subjects that discuss environmental education and propose alternative technologies
of development that respect the environment”. Also “promoting projects to engage
students with the local community through outreach and initiatives on campus,
providing the students with critical knowledge and awareness of real-life challenges”.