Quality Education (SDG 4): Corporate Social Responsibility Disclosure: The Case of the Portuguese Higher Education Institutions

Objective: Quality education (SDG 4) - Analyse how the paradigm of social responsibility (SR) has been internalised by the Portuguese Higher Education Institutions (HEI). Theoretical Framework: Now that HEI are also called to SR arena, as all society actors need to participate in the challenge for achieving sustainable development, and despite they are becoming more active in this area, sustainability disclosure is yet at an embryonic phase in a world that breathes environmental sustainability (ES) and corporate social responsibility (CSR) already for a while. Method: Content analyses is the methodology here proposed to analyse HEIs’ websites. The collect data taken from 33 public institutions was subject to a univariate, bivariate and multivariate analysis, the last one through a multiple regression using the stepwise method. Results and Discussion: The findings obtained show that Portuguese public HEI seem to be engaged in integrating CSR in their strategic management and other contents disclosed in the institutional websites. However, it is verified a low national average of disclosures. Research Implications: Despite universities are using online disclosure through their websites, improving their provision of CSR information, is still necessary greater awareness among HEIs of the importance of this type of information. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by Analyse how the paradigm of SR has been internalised by Portuguese HEI. The relevance and value of this research are evidenced by the understanding of the motivation behind this disclosure, in the light of legitimacy or stakeholder theories.