Decision-making process concerning CSR engagement : A study of the decision-making process of the rectors of Swedish universities

Sammanfattning: Problem formulation: CSR engagement has over the decades become integrated in the private sector business context and also tends to become increasingly important to public sector organizations, so for universities. Since the organizational ideal of universities has changed, the role of the rector wields great power, however, the rector is influenced by his/her personal characteristics, internal aspects, and external aspects that are important when performing decision-making towards CSR engagement. Purpose: The purpose of this research is to investigate how the rectors of Swedish universities make decisions concerning CSR engagement at their universities. Methodology: This research has a qualitative methodology and has interviews as research strategy. The research consists of 15 participants from the higher education in Sweden. The interviews were performed personally, via phone, and via Skype. Findings /conclusions: The findings are based on semi-structured interviews with one third of the rectors of Swedish universities. There is a significant indication, that rectors do not have a clear idea of CSR engagement and have different perspectives, what leads to limited knowledge and understanding at Swedish universities. However, since the social aspect of CSR is integrated in the general vision and mission, there is a lot of university engagement.