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Impact of higher education imparted by Indian universities on the pro-sustainability orientation of students

Hirak Dasgupta (Management, Symbiosis Institute of Management Studies, Symbiosis International (Deemed University), Pune, India)
Sanjay Krishnapratap Pawar (Management, Symbiosis Institute of Management Studies, Symbiosis International (Deemed University), Pune, India)

Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education

ISSN: 2050-7003

Article publication date: 29 October 2020

Issue publication date: 12 October 2021

195

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to test a model on pro-sustainability orientation (PSO) among the students and comparison of the levels of PSO among the first-year and the second-year MBA/PGDM students studying in Indian higher education institutions.

Design/methodology/approach

The study comprised of quantitative analysis of PSO through a questionnaire that was distributed among MBA/PGDM students of four prominent higher education institutions in the state of Maharashtra. A total of 425 students responded to the survey. The items of this instrument included actions such as reuse, recycling, energy, conservation and so on. Likert scale was used to measure the dimensions and structural equation modelling was applied to test the PSO model.

Findings

The study revealed significant difference in the PSO among male and female students with respect to equity dimension and significant differences among the first- and second-year MBA students with respect to pro-environmental deliberations. A significant difference was found among the four institutions with respect to the pro-environmental deliberations, altruistic behaviour and affinity towards diversity. The study showed positive influence of PSO over SB. The study revealed that the students enrolled in MBA/PGDM showed positive attitude towards SD and the environment.

Practical implications

There has been a dearth of studies conducted on PSO of students enrolled in Indian higher education. This study is an attempt to show the impact of the Indian higher education on the pro-sustainable lifestyles among the students of MBA/PGDM that can provide valuable insights for the millennials of the emerging economies.

Originality/value

This study is an attempt to depict the role played by the Indian higher education institutions in the development of PSO among the students of MBA/PGDM. In order to promote sustainable development within one’s society, one needs to educate future leaders about the importance of sustainability.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

The authors acknowledge the response of the students and the institutions that participated in this study.Funding: The study received full funding from Symbiosis International University, Pune (India), via sanction letter no. SIU/SCRI/MRP Approval/2018/1136 dated 20th March 2018.Declaration of interest: There is no conflict of interest.

Citation

Dasgupta, H. and Pawar, S.K. (2021), "Impact of higher education imparted by Indian universities on the pro-sustainability orientation of students", Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education, Vol. 13 No. 4, pp. 1110-1132. https://doi.org/10.1108/JARHE-12-2019-0318

Publisher

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Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited

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