Education for sustainability in higher education institutions: A multi-perspective proposal with a focus on management education

It is crucial to understand which conditions or elements are relevant to the development of more holistic and integrative models for implementing sustainability into Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). It is observed in the literature that there is a mismatch between the highlighted importance of education for sustainability and the actual implementation of its integration in HEIs due to its multifaceted characteristics and complexity. The proposition of analytical models can serve as a very useful tool for successful practical experiences. Therefore, the paper aims to develop a conceptual and analytical framework based on four interdependent dimensions-contextual, organizational, curricular, and pedagogical- that can be used as a guide to integrate sustainability into critical areas in HEIs. We considered four crucial areas: university management, teaching, research, and community outreach. To validate and expand these areas and identify the elements composing them, we conducted a qualitative research based on systematic literature review and semi-structured interviews with experts in the field of higher and management education. We explored this integration of sustainability in the context of an emergent country, and for this we performed documental research and interviews with local experts. This study contributes to the field by presenting a multi-analytical model and their specific elements that can guide HEIs to effectively integrate sustainability into management education related to planning and action. Although the results focus on management courses, these elements, if properly adapted, can be used to map and analyze other courses in all types of HEI.

Automated summary

Understanding the relevant conditions and elements for developing more holistic and integrative models for implementing sustainability in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) is crucial. The importance of sustainability education is often highlighted, but the actual integration in HEIs is lacking due to its multifaceted nature and complexity. This paper aims to develop a conceptual and analytical framework based on four interdependent dimensions, which can guide the integration of sustainability into critical areas in HEIs.