Sustainability in higher education institutions: analysis of academic publication linked to management

Sustentabilidade em instituições de ensino superior: análise de publicações acadêmicas relacionadas à gestão

Abstract

Purpose

To analyze and discuss how the topic of sustainability is addressed in higher education institutions (HEIs) in publications linked to the area of management.

Design/approach/methodology

To meet the proposed objective, a bibliometric review was developed based on a qualitative analysis in order to investigate implicit or explicit references to the way sustainability is discussed in academia.

Results

It appears that, although the importance of HEIs in the formation of a sustainable social mentality is well established in theoretical and practical debate, their role portrayed in studies still seems modest and diffuse.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation of this study refers to the restriction of the results found, as they are based on a selection and the delimitations and methodological choices of the research found in the bibliometric review.

Originality/value

In addition to the relevance of the theme, this study allows a panoramic view of how sustainability is being approached in higher education institutions, as these are important agents that form and guide sustainable development in society. The study also has practical value, as the inferences found can support and direct managers’ decision-making in favor of the inclusion of sustainability in academia.

Sustainability; University; Management courses