The Divergent Influence of Social Responsibility on Employee Engagement through the Lens of Marital Status: Evidence from Higher Education Institutions

Low Peng

doi:10.7819/rbgn.v22i2.4046

Abstract

Purpose – This research paper has two purposes. Firstly, it aims to study the influence of social responsibility on employee engagement in a non-business setting, particularly higher education institutions. Internal Corporate Social Responsibility and Perceived Roles of Ethics and Social Responsibility were used to measure the social responsibility aspect. Secondly, the study further explores the difference between two heterogeneous groups of academics. Design/methodology/approach –A quantitative approach and non-probability judgmental sampling method were used in this research. A self-administered questionnaire containing the respondents’ demographic information and the main constructs of the research framework was distributed among the respondents targeted. Partial least squares structural equation modelling was used to assess the predictability of the model and a multi-group analysis was conducted to examine the differences between the non-married and married academics. Findings – The findings reveal that Perceived Roles of Ethics and Social Responsibility and Internal Corporate Social Responsibility are significantly related to academics’ Employee Engagement. The conclusion is that ethics and social responsibility have a similar influence in a non-business setting, such as a higher education institution. An insignificant result is obtained for the two heterogeneous groups of non-married and married academics. Originality/value – This research paper provides informative insights on the roles of ethics and social responsibility in a non-business setting, i.e., higher education institutions. It also complements the understanding of their insignificant influence on married and non-married academics. This serves as good information for higher education institutions’ administrators for devising alternative means to improve academics’ engagement in the workplace.

Highlights

Background of the StudyWith Malaysia’s transition to a knowledgebased economy, policymakers have linked the development of the higher education sector to the requirements of economic growth
In view of the discussion of ethics and social responsibility being widely accepted in business organisations, this research aims to examine its impact among the academics in higher education institutions in terms of them carrying out their multiple roles yet displaying a high level of employee engagement
Drawing from the limited research on Perceived Roles of Ethics and Social Responsibility (PRESOR) in the non-business context and considering the challenges encountered by higher education institutions, this study aims to examine the impact of PRESOR on Internal Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) practices along with its influence on employee engagement among academics

Summary

Introduction

With Malaysia’s transition to a knowledgebased economy, policymakers have linked the development of the higher education sector to the requirements of economic growth. The Malaysian government is aspiring to deliver a well-prepared, skilled, trained, and proficient workforce that strives for economic growth and is resilient to rapid change. This effort is evidenced in the amendment to the Education Act in 1995, which was followed by the implementation of the Private Higher Education Act in 1996. Higher education institutions are required to re-think the structure of their academic programs with pedagogy that is more flexible and focussed on practical, competencybased learning with new systems of accreditation and certification

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