The aim of the article is to introduce, frame, and critically discuss the approach of the International Graduate Center (IGC) of Bremen City University of Applied Sciences, Germany, to integrate sustainability into its operation and teaching by applying a holistic model which is based on the idea of the “Economy for the Common Good” (ECG). Grounded in the fundamental idea of the “common good”, referring to material, cultural or institutional facilities which community members provide to all to satisfy relational obligations, the ECG calls for new modes of direct participation. It is based on the core values subsidiarity, cooperation, and solidarity, placing a high emphasis on the development of awareness, responsibility, and community involvement. Although it is common for most universities today to address environmental sustainability and/or sustainable development in some form, integrative or holistic approaches to sustainability are still the exception. The article put the ECG framework in relation to other methods to implement and assess sustainability in higher education, especially in business schools, and will outline the impact it can have on major stakeholder groups like students, faculty, and staff. In a case-based approach data were collected through interviews with the case institution’s stakeholders. The data collection process was further supported by document analysis and observations of the case institution’s campus environment. This contribution is one of the first on the usability of the ECG matrix in higher education. It attempts to offer a comprehensive view of the initiatives adopted by the case institution to incorporate sustainability into education, research, campus operations, and outreach programmes. The study shows limitations of the ECG matrix in the context of higher education and make suggestions on how ECG could be better aligned with higher education. It also shows the way in which organisational change can occur and lead to improved accountability and changes in sustainability performance.
Published in | International Journal of Vocational Education and Training Research (Volume 8, Issue 1) |
DOI | 10.11648/j.ijvetr.20220801.13 |
Page(s) | 12-18 |
Creative Commons |
This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited. |
Copyright |
Copyright © The Author(s), 2022. Published by Science Publishing Group |
Sustainability, Social Reporting, Common Good, Economy for the Common Good, Higher Education, University, Business Schools
[1] | Albrecht, P. (2006) Nachhaltigkeitsberichterstattung an Hochschulen - Diskussion möglicher Ansatzpunkte und ihrer Konsequenzen für die Praxis, INFU-DISKUSSIONSBEITRÄGE 33/06 / CSM-Diskussionspapier, Lüne. |
[2] | Alonso-Almeida, M., Marimon, F., Casani, F. and Rodriguez-Pomeda, J. (2015) ‘Diffusion of sustainability reporting in universities: current situation and future perspectives’, Journal of Cleaner Production, 106, pp. 144-154. |
[3] | Alshuwaikhat, H. and Abubakar, I. (2008) ‘An integrated approach to achieving campus sustainability: assessment of the current campus environmental management practices’, Journal of Cleaner Production, 16 (2008), pp 1777-1785. |
[4] | Barresi, P. (2012) ‘Mobilizing the Public Trust Doctrine in Support of Publicly Owned Forests as Carbon Dioxide sinks in India and in the United States’, Colorado Journal of International Environmental Law and Policy 23 (1), p 47. |
[5] | Barth, M. and Rieckmann, M. (2012) ‘Academic staff development as a catalyst for curriculum change towards education for sustainable development: an output perspective’ Journal of Cleaner Production, 26 (1), pp 28–36. |
[6] | Disterheft, A., Caeiro, S., Azeiteiro, U., Leal Filho, W. (2015) ‘Sustainable universities e a study of critical success factors for participatory approaches’, Journal of Cleaner Production, 106, pp 11-21. |
[7] | Faham, E., Rezvanfar, A., Mohammadi, S. H. M. and Nohooji, M. R. (2017) ‘Using system dynamics to develop education for sustainable development in higher education with the emphasis on the sustainability competencies of students’, Technological Forecasting & Social Change, 123, pp. 307–326. |
[8] | Felber, C. (2010) Gemeinwohl-Ökonomie - Das Wirtschaftsmodell der Zukunft, Wien: Deuticke/Zsolnay. |
[9] | Figueiro, P. S. and Raufflet, E. (2015) ‘Sustainability in higher education: a systematic review with focus on management education’, Journal of Cleaner Production, 106, pp 22-33. |
[10] | Global University Network for Innovation (GUNI) (2008) Higher Education in the World 3. Higher Education: New Challenges and Emerging Roles for Human and Social Development, GUNI Series on the Social Commitment of Universities, Hampshire: Palgrave Macmillan. |
[11] | Global University Network for Innovation (GUNI) (2012) Higher Education in the World 4. Higher Education’s Commitment to Sustainability: from Understanding to Action, GUNI Series on the Social Commitment of Universities, Hampshire: Palgrave Macmillan. |
[12] | Global University Network for Innovation (GUNI), 2014. Higher Education in the World 5 Knowledge, Engagement and Higher Education: Contributing to Social Change. In: Series: GUNI Series on the Social Commitment of Universities. Palgrave Macmillan, Hampshire. |
[13] | GWÖ – Verein zur Förderung der Gemeinwohl-Ökonomie (2017) Arbeitsbuch zur Gemeinwohlbilanz 5.0. Vollbilanz. Herausgeber: Matrix-Entwicklungsteam. Stand: April 2017. [Online]. Available at: https://www.ecogood.org/media/filer_public/73/da/73dab961-6125-4f69-bf7a-3c8613a90739/gwoe_arbeitsbuch_5_0_vollbilanz.pdf (Accessed 31 August 2018). |
[14] | Hardin, G. (1968) ‘The Tragedy of the Commons’, Science, New Series, 162 (3859), pp. 1243-1248. |
[15] | Heidbrink, L., Kny, J., Köhne, R., Sommer, B., Stumpf, K., Welzer, H. and Wiefek, J. (2018) Schlussbericht für das Verbundprojekt Gemeinwohl-Ökonomie im Vergleich unternehmerischer Nachhaltigkeitsstrategien (GIVUN). Flensburg & Kiel. |
[16] | James, A. (2009) ‘Academies of the apocalypse?’, The Guardian International Edition [Online], Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/education/2009/apr/07/mba-business-schools-credit-crunch (Accessed: 31 August 2018). |
[17] | Kapitulčinová, D., AtKisson, A., Perdue, J. and Will, M. (2018) ‘Towards integrated sustainability in higher education - Mapping the use of the Accelerator toolset in all dimensions of university practice’, Journal of Cleaner Production, 172, pp. 4367-4382. |
[18] | Karatzoglou, B. (2013) ‘An in-depth literature review of the evolving roles and contributions of universities to Education for Sustainable Development’, Journal of Cleaner Production, 49, pp. 44-53. |
[19] | Lambrechts, W., Mulà, I., Ceulemans, K., Molderez, I. and Gaeremynck, V. (2013): ‘The integration of competences for sustainable development in higher education: an analysis of bachelor programs in management’, Journal of Cleaner Production, 48, pp. 65-73. |
[20] | Leal Filho, W., Wu, Y., Londero Brandli, L., Veiga Avila, L., Azeiteiro, U., Caeiro, S. and Rejane da Rosa Gama Madruga, L. (2017) ‘Identifying and overcoming obstacles to the implementation of sustainable development at universities’, Journal of Integrative Environmental Sciences, 14 (1), pp. 93-108. |
[21] | Locatelli, R. (2018) Education as a public and common good: Reframing the governance of education in a changing context, UNESCO EDUCATION RESEARCH AND FORESIGHT, WORKING PAPERS 22. |
[22] | Lozano, R., Lukman, R., Lozano, F. J., Huisingh, D. and Lambrechts, W. (2013) ‘Declarations for sustainability in higher education: becoming better leaders, through addressing the university system’, Journal of Cleaner Production, 48, pp. 10–19. |
[23] | Lozano, R. and Peattie, K. (2011) ‘Assessing Cardiff University’s curricula contribution to SD using the STAUNCH© system’, Journal of Education for Sustainable Development, 5 (1), pp. 115-128. |
[24] | Lloyd, W. F. (1833) Two Lectures on the Checks to Population, Delivered before the University of Oxford in the Michaelmas Term, 1832. |
[25] | Marginson, S. (2017) Rediscovering the common good in higher education, [Online], Available at: https://www.timeshighereducation.com/blog/rediscovering-common-good-higher-education (Accessed: 23 March 2019). |
[26] | McCowan, T. (2016) ‘Forging Radical Alternatives in Higher Education: The Case of Brazil. Other Education’, The Journal of Educational Alternatives, 5 (2), pp. 196-220. |
[27] | Nelson, J. (2004) Leadership, Accountability, and Partnership: Critical Trends and Issues in Corporate Social Responsibility, Report of the CSR Initiative Launch Event. Report No. 1. Cambridge: Corporate Social Responsibility Initiative. |
[28] | Ostrom, E. (1990) Governing the Commons: The Evolution of Institutions for Collective Action, Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press. |
[29] | Paul VI. (1965) Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the modern world: Gaudium et spes [Online]. Available at: http://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-ii_const_19651207_gaudium-et-spes_en.html (Accessed: 31 August 2018). |
[30] | Richardson, A. J. and Kachler, M. D. (2016) University Sustainability Reporting: A review of the literature and development of a model. Handbook on Sustainability in Management Education [Online]. Available at: https://scholar.uwindsor.ca/ode4epub/101 (Accessed: 16 January 2019). |
[31] | Ruggie, J. (2000) ‘Globalization, the Global Compact and Corporate Social Responsibility’, Transnational Associations, 52 (6), pp. 291-294. |
[32] | Sanchis, J. R., Campos, V., Enjarque, A. (2018) Research Project: Analysing the Economy for the Common Good Model - Statistical Validations of its Metrics and Impacts in the Business Sphere [Online]. Available at: https://www.ecogood.org/media/filer_public/9a/9e/9a9e3a2e-6255-450c-a116-64cf31498fc5/summary_study_on_ecg_companies_university_valencia_2018.pdf (Accessed: 20 February 2019). |
[33] | Siboni, B., del Sordo, C. and Pazzi, S. (2013) ‘Sustainability Reporting in State Universities: An Investigation of Italian Pioneering Practices’, International Journal of Social Ecology and Sustainable Development, 4 (2), pp. 1-15. |
[34] | Sonetti, G., Lombardi, P. and Chelleri, L. (2015) ‘True Green and Sustainable University Campuses? Toward a Clusters Approach’, Sustainability, 8 (83), pp. 1-23. |
[35] | Tirole, J. (2017) Economics for the Common Good, Princeton: Princeton University Press. |
[36] | UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) (2015) Rethinking education: Towards a global common good, Paris: UNESCO. |
[37] | Verhulst, E. and Lambrechts, W. (2015) ‘Fostering the incorporation of sustainable development in higher education. Lessons learned from a change management perspective’, Journal of Cleaner Production, 106, pp. 189–204. |
[38] | Wells, C. (2018) ‘For Such a Time and Place as This: Christian Higher Education for the Common Good’, Christian Higher Education, 17, pp. 1-7. |
[39] | Wiek, A., Withycombe, L. and Redman, C. L. (2011) Competencies in sustainability: a reference framework for academic program development. Sustainability Science, 6 (2), pp. 203–218. |
APA Style
Tim Goydke. (2022). Business Schools and the Common Good’s Approach to Sustainability in Higher Education. International Journal of Vocational Education and Training Research, 8(1), 12-18. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijvetr.20220801.13
ACS Style
Tim Goydke. Business Schools and the Common Good’s Approach to Sustainability in Higher Education. Int. J. Vocat. Educ. Train. Res. 2022, 8(1), 12-18. doi: 10.11648/j.ijvetr.20220801.13
@article{10.11648/j.ijvetr.20220801.13, author = {Tim Goydke}, title = {Business Schools and the Common Good’s Approach to Sustainability in Higher Education}, journal = {International Journal of Vocational Education and Training Research}, volume = {8}, number = {1}, pages = {12-18}, doi = {10.11648/j.ijvetr.20220801.13}, url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijvetr.20220801.13}, eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ijvetr.20220801.13}, abstract = {The aim of the article is to introduce, frame, and critically discuss the approach of the International Graduate Center (IGC) of Bremen City University of Applied Sciences, Germany, to integrate sustainability into its operation and teaching by applying a holistic model which is based on the idea of the “Economy for the Common Good” (ECG). Grounded in the fundamental idea of the “common good”, referring to material, cultural or institutional facilities which community members provide to all to satisfy relational obligations, the ECG calls for new modes of direct participation. It is based on the core values subsidiarity, cooperation, and solidarity, placing a high emphasis on the development of awareness, responsibility, and community involvement. Although it is common for most universities today to address environmental sustainability and/or sustainable development in some form, integrative or holistic approaches to sustainability are still the exception. The article put the ECG framework in relation to other methods to implement and assess sustainability in higher education, especially in business schools, and will outline the impact it can have on major stakeholder groups like students, faculty, and staff. In a case-based approach data were collected through interviews with the case institution’s stakeholders. The data collection process was further supported by document analysis and observations of the case institution’s campus environment. This contribution is one of the first on the usability of the ECG matrix in higher education. It attempts to offer a comprehensive view of the initiatives adopted by the case institution to incorporate sustainability into education, research, campus operations, and outreach programmes. The study shows limitations of the ECG matrix in the context of higher education and make suggestions on how ECG could be better aligned with higher education. It also shows the way in which organisational change can occur and lead to improved accountability and changes in sustainability performance.}, year = {2022} }
TY - JOUR T1 - Business Schools and the Common Good’s Approach to Sustainability in Higher Education AU - Tim Goydke Y1 - 2022/05/12 PY - 2022 N1 - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijvetr.20220801.13 DO - 10.11648/j.ijvetr.20220801.13 T2 - International Journal of Vocational Education and Training Research JF - International Journal of Vocational Education and Training Research JO - International Journal of Vocational Education and Training Research SP - 12 EP - 18 PB - Science Publishing Group SN - 2469-8199 UR - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijvetr.20220801.13 AB - The aim of the article is to introduce, frame, and critically discuss the approach of the International Graduate Center (IGC) of Bremen City University of Applied Sciences, Germany, to integrate sustainability into its operation and teaching by applying a holistic model which is based on the idea of the “Economy for the Common Good” (ECG). Grounded in the fundamental idea of the “common good”, referring to material, cultural or institutional facilities which community members provide to all to satisfy relational obligations, the ECG calls for new modes of direct participation. It is based on the core values subsidiarity, cooperation, and solidarity, placing a high emphasis on the development of awareness, responsibility, and community involvement. Although it is common for most universities today to address environmental sustainability and/or sustainable development in some form, integrative or holistic approaches to sustainability are still the exception. The article put the ECG framework in relation to other methods to implement and assess sustainability in higher education, especially in business schools, and will outline the impact it can have on major stakeholder groups like students, faculty, and staff. In a case-based approach data were collected through interviews with the case institution’s stakeholders. The data collection process was further supported by document analysis and observations of the case institution’s campus environment. This contribution is one of the first on the usability of the ECG matrix in higher education. It attempts to offer a comprehensive view of the initiatives adopted by the case institution to incorporate sustainability into education, research, campus operations, and outreach programmes. The study shows limitations of the ECG matrix in the context of higher education and make suggestions on how ECG could be better aligned with higher education. It also shows the way in which organisational change can occur and lead to improved accountability and changes in sustainability performance. VL - 8 IS - 1 ER -