Ethics and social responsibility in the management of higher education institutions

Abstract

Higher education institutions (HEIs) face challenges that affect their legitimacy, performance, and ability to meet academic and social objectives, particularly issues related to transparency, academic integrity, accountability, and responsibility toward the community. These limitations impact the trust of students, faculty, and administrative staff, as well as the ability of universities to contribute to sustainable development and the strengthening of human and scientific capital. Against this backdrop, this study analyzed the principles, regulatory frameworks, and strategies related to ethics and social responsibility in the management of HEIs, identifying their impact on transparency, institutional integrity, and social contribution. A qualitative and descriptive approach was employed through a review of international and national frameworks, including ISO 26000, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), UNESCO’s World Declaration on Higher Education, the Constitution of Ecuador, and the Organic Law on Higher Education (LOES). Examples of the implementation of University Social Responsibility (USR) practices were analyzed across the dimensions of teaching, research, community engagement, and administrative management, taking into account indicators of impact on institutional legitimacy, academic trust, and engagement with society. The results show that the integration of ethics and USR strengthens the training of critical and socially responsible professionals, enhances international cooperation, and contributes to sustainable and regional development. The implementation of codes of ethics, USR committees, and monitoring mechanisms ensures transparency and accountability. It is concluded that the adoption of regulatory frameworks and USR practices enables universities to establish themselves as agents of social transformation, fostering inclusive, responsible academic communities committed to sustainable development.