Higher education institutions and corporate social responsibility: triple bottomline as a conceptual framework for community development

Abstract

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is predicated on three organizational pillars of economic values, social values and environment values known as the “triple bottom-line”. This framework refers to an accomplishment of a win-win status quo amongst three units. Stakeholders within the Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) somehow have ways of enforcing organizations to comply with these triple bottom-line. However, profit making is not applicable to a considerable extent in (HEIs) funded by government, but accountability is of paramount importance. On the other hand, HEIs are facing challenges induced by labour market dynamics. This article is a based on the triple bottom line conceptual paradigm and reviews CSR and the importance of the paradigm for HEIs in community development for developing countries, using South Africa as a reference point. We relied on existing literature and our analysis suggest that HEIs need to take part in profitable relations with several stakeholders while integrating their visions and purposes into their CSR management agenda. For the reason that the structure of the community is somewhat complex because of diverse personalities with different levels of resource control; adopting CSR would benefit, appropriate integration of community development programmes.. Engagement through CSR will enhance mutual trust, reduce protest and help improve public image of the HEIs. Particular emphasis on HEIs support to economic welfare and social environs would be a value addition to community development.