The practice of social responsibility at Polish universities: a study of current trends

Background: Multidimensionality, as well as the potential benefits of social responsibility of universities (SRU) described in the literature, prompts in-depth research into the actual implementation of this concept by universities. In Poland, it is only since 2017 that higher education institutions have started to declare the implementation of its principles. Research objectives: The aim of this article is to present the results of research concerning the practical implementation of the idea of social responsibility at Polish HEIs. The literature review was supplemented with empirical research based on the analysis and evaluation of information on SRU available on HEIs’ websites (random selection was used for this purpose). The research was conducted in the period July-September 2023. Research design and methods: A review of the literature on the subject was supplemented with empirical research. The research was based on the analysis and evaluation of information on SRU available on the websites of higher education institutions. It was conducted in the period July-September 2023, and a random selection of institutions that had signed the Declaration of Social Responsibility of Universities between 2017 and 2022 was evaluated. Results: The research resulted in a list of good practices, as well as recommendations for improvement measures for universities that have formally declared the implementation of SRU principles in practice. Conclusions: Higher education stakeholders (internal and external), especially management, have a decisive influence on the practical implementation of the SRU concept. It is their awareness and determination that determines whether social responsibility will be developed in a real and tangible way by all university partners.