Transformations  in
Business & Economics

University Social Responsibility and Stakeholders’ Influence
Rodica Milena Zaharia, Alin Stancu, Mihaela Diaconu

ABSTRACT. This paper aims to study the particularities of the social responsibility of the university and how this responsibility is influenced by the stakeholders. The complexity of the modern world challenges has shaped the role that universities play in society. The universities are part of society, but different than other components. Its social role is now questionable as a result of the pressure coming from “multi-faceted” interest groups. Stakeholder theory is used to explain recent developments in the social responsibility of the university. Particular attention is given to a Romanian university, as Romanian universities are beginning actors in the process of adjustment to the stakeholders influence. The conclusions of this paper will contribute to a better understanding of how higher education from a former communist country identifies and applies the concept of social responsibility and how the stakeholders’ influence shapes the responsible behavior of the universities.

KEYWORDS: social responsibility, stakeholders, higher education, university social responsibility, Romania.

JEL classification: M10, M14, I23, O10, P2.