Driving Change in Higher Education: How Board Diversity and Vice-Chancellors' Personal Traits Shape Universities’ Support for UN Sustainable Development Goals
About the project
This research project investigates how board diversity and the personal traits of university leaders influence the extent and quality of voluntary Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) disclosures in the annual reports of UK higher education institutions (HEIs). With sustainability becoming a core strategic objective in the education sector, universities play a critical role in promoting and implementing the UN SDGs. Despite this, limited research has explored how internal governance structures shape universities' engagement with the SDGs. Through a longitudinal analysis of 168 UK HEIs from 2016 to 2023, this study examines how Vice-Chancellors’ personal traits and board diversity impact SDG reporting. By developing an SDG disclosure index, the research not only addresses existing gaps in academic literature but also provides evidence-based insights that can inform higher education policy, governance practices, and strategies for promoting sustainability within universities. The project aims to support the development of inclusive leadership practices and enhance transparency and accountability in higher education, ultimately strengthening institutional efforts towards achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Funding Body
UoW and WIUT Research Collaboration Fund 2024-25 Round
Project Members
- Dr. Tantawy Moussa (UoW)
- Dr. Mostafa Hussien (UoW)
- Dr. Murtaza Masud Niazi (WIUT)
- Dr. Temur Makhkamov (WIUT)
- Dr Amani Faraji (UoW)
- Yusufjon Pulatov (WIUT, PhD student)