Abstract
This research investigates the higher education social responsibility (HESR) practices at the University of Manchester (UoM) and examines their effects in the Chinese context on students, particularly those involved in transnational education programs. Utilizing both qualitative and quantitative methodologies, the study provides a comprehensive analysis of how UoM’s HESR initiatives are developed, implemented, and perceived, and how these initiatives influence student perception and attitudes across different geographical contexts.
The study identifies multiple institutional logics—university logic, economic logic, society logic, and sustainability logic—that collectively drive UoM’s HESR practices. These logics ensure that the university’s social responsibility efforts are deeply embedded in its core mission: promoting academic excellence, financial sustainability, societal welfare, and environmental stewardship. The findings reveal a significant positive spillover effect of UoM’s HESR initiatives on transnational students. These students, influenced by the university’s commitment to social responsibility, carry these values and practices back to their home countries. They engage in similar initiatives, foster local community involvement, and contribute to global sustainability efforts, thus extending the impact of UoM’s HESR initiatives beyond the immediate university environment.
The research concludes that UoM’s comprehensive and well-integrated HESR programs serve as a model for other higher education institutions. The alignment of diverse institutional logic with HESR initiatives not only enhances the university’s global reputation but also fosters responsible global citizenship among students. This study contributes to the broader discourse on the role of universities in advancing societal well-being and sustainability, highlighting the importance of strategic integration of HESR in higher education.