The Corporate Social Responsibility Practices and Concerns of Addis Ababa University: Implications for Higher Learning Institutions in Ethiopia

Abstract

The research aims to understand the corporate social responsibility (CSR)
practices by Addis Ababa University, the largest and the oldest university in
Ethiopia. The issue of CSR in the context of higher learning institutions is one
of the least studied subjects in Ethiopia in terms of what social responsibility
considerations a higher learning institution is expected to discharge and what it
is actually doing. The research was based on a case study analysis of the oldest
public university in Ethiopia. Guided interviews with the academic staff,
students, the local communities in the neighborhood of the university, and the
management team (university management representative and department
heads) of the university were conducted to find out the perceived social
responsibilities of the university. The findings indicate that there is still the
need for more efforts to improve the social responsibilities of the university.
CSR commitments including environmental protection, sustainable use of
natural resources, obligations to local communities are areas of concern that
the university still needs to address. Case-study replication of higher learning
institutions in the country would refine and allow for generalizations of results.
The recommendations and suggestions of this research would serve as a basis
to reinforce the social responsibilities of higher learning institutions that can go
beyond providing education. It can also provide insight to the university
authorities to understand the key elements of CSR and assess its social
performance. The study contributes to CSR research and is of value to
academics as well as authorities in the higher learning institutions.