Are Universities Engaging in Social Washing? Rethinking the Presentation of University Sustainability Reports
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| Title: | Are Universities Engaging in Social Washing? Rethinking the Presentation of University Sustainability Reports |
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| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Yi-Chih Lee |
| Source: | International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education. 2026 27(2):303-321. |
| Availability: | Emerald Publishing Limited. Howard House, Wagon Lane, Bingley, West Yorkshire, BD16 1WA, UK. Tel: +44-1274-777700; Fax: +44-1274-785201; e-mail: emerald@emeraldinsight.com; Web site: http://www.emerald.com/insight |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 19 |
| Publication Date: | 2026 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Education Level: | Higher Education Postsecondary Education |
| Descriptors: | Private Colleges, Sustainability, Disclosure, Reports, Deception, Social Responsibility, Foreign Countries, College Faculty, Teacher Salaries, Teaching Load, Part Time Faculty |
| Geographic Terms: | Taiwan |
| DOI: | 10.1108/IJSHE-08-2024-0533 |
| ISSN: | 1467-6370 1758-6739 |
| Abstract: | Purpose: The social dimension of sustainable development has garnered increasing attention. As universities embrace their social responsibility and consider the interests of various stakeholders, the potential issue of social washing has emerged as a critical topic. This study aims to investigate the presence of social washing in university sustainability reports. Design/methodology/approach: The study examines three key stakeholder elements: full-time faculty salaries, weekly teaching hours for full-time faculty and hourly wages for part-time faculty. A content analysis was conducted on the 2022 sustainability reports published by all private universities registered in Taiwan. Findings: Results indicate that only 30% of private universities published independent sustainability reports for 2022, and of those, only 62.5% adhered to global reporting initiative guidelines. The study raises concerns about selective disclosure and the concealment of negative information, suggesting the possibility of social washing. This investigation offers an overview of social washing in the sustainability reports of higher education institutions, thereby contributing to the academic discourse on comprehensive and transparent communication with stakeholders. Social implications: Universities should take into account the interests of stakeholders and embrace greater social responsibility in their sustainability initiatives. This study analyzes the content of university sustainability reports and encourages higher education institutions to foster balanced communication with their stakeholders. Originality/value: Social washing is difficult to detect. This study uses objective indicators to assist higher education institutions in identifying potential social washing behaviors and provides guidance for universities to avoid misleading communication in their sustainability reports. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2026 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1503376 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | Purpose: The social dimension of sustainable development has garnered increasing attention. As universities embrace their social responsibility and consider the interests of various stakeholders, the potential issue of social washing has emerged as a critical topic. This study aims to investigate the presence of social washing in university sustainability reports. Design/methodology/approach: The study examines three key stakeholder elements: full-time faculty salaries, weekly teaching hours for full-time faculty and hourly wages for part-time faculty. A content analysis was conducted on the 2022 sustainability reports published by all private universities registered in Taiwan. Findings: Results indicate that only 30% of private universities published independent sustainability reports for 2022, and of those, only 62.5% adhered to global reporting initiative guidelines. The study raises concerns about selective disclosure and the concealment of negative information, suggesting the possibility of social washing. This investigation offers an overview of social washing in the sustainability reports of higher education institutions, thereby contributing to the academic discourse on comprehensive and transparent communication with stakeholders. Social implications: Universities should take into account the interests of stakeholders and embrace greater social responsibility in their sustainability initiatives. This study analyzes the content of university sustainability reports and encourages higher education institutions to foster balanced communication with their stakeholders. Originality/value: Social washing is difficult to detect. This study uses objective indicators to assist higher education institutions in identifying potential social washing behaviors and provides guidance for universities to avoid misleading communication in their sustainability reports. |
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| ISSN: | 1467-6370 1758-6739 |
| DOI: | 10.1108/IJSHE-08-2024-0533 |
