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Why University Social Responsibility Initiatives Can Backfire and What to Do About It?

Author

Listed:
  • Gilles Grolleau

    (ESSCA - ESSCA – École supérieure des sciences commerciales d'Angers = ESSCA Business School)

  • Naoufel Mzoughi

    (ECODEVELOPPEMENT - Ecodéveloppement - INRAE - Institut National de Recherche pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement)

  • Marie Stadge

    (ESSCA – Campus de Strasbourg - ESSCA – École supérieure des sciences commerciales d'Angers [Campus de Strasbourg] - ESSCA - ESSCA – École supérieure des sciences commerciales d'Angers = ESSCA Business School)

Abstract

Well-intentioned University Social Responsibility (USR) initiatives are increasingly implemented in higher education organizations. Nevertheless, these initiatives can sometimes backfire and undermine USR goals. We explore four mechanisms for this possible ‘dark side' of USR: moral licensing, contamination by association, resistance from key agents, and diverting attention and resources. We develop behaviourally-inspired solutions to mitigate this risk.

Suggested Citation

  • Gilles Grolleau & Naoufel Mzoughi & Marie Stadge, 2024. "Why University Social Responsibility Initiatives Can Backfire and What to Do About It?," Post-Print hal-04676313, HAL.
    • Handle: RePEc:hal:journl:hal-04676313
    Note: View the original document on HAL open archive server: https://hal.inrae.fr/hal-04676313v1
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    References listed on IDEAS

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