Influence of university governance on students’ environmental behavior: Evidence from Bangladesh

This study examines the impact of university governance on students’ learning and practice of environmental sustainability, focusing on three governance aspects: accountability, administration, and policy. Using a quantitative approach, data were collected from 470 students through an 18-item questionnaire and analyzed with partial least squares structural equation modeling in SmartPLS-4 to test hypothesized relationships. Multigroup analysis (MGA) was also employed to compare different types of universities. The findings indicate that governance has a stronger influence on students’ practical application of sustainability than on their learning. MGA results show that private universities perform better in accountability and administration, while students in public universities excel in applying sustainability knowledge practically. The study highlights the importance of governance in guiding universities to equip students with the knowledge and practical skills needed for environmental sustainability, providing insights for designing universities to effectively promote global sustainability goals.