Development of sustainability competencies in university students in the economic-administrative area

Abstract

Introduction: Universities are responsible for educating qualified professionals who contribute to the creation of a more sustainable and just society. The objective of the study was to analyze the perception of students of the economic-administrative area on the specific aspects in which, as future professionals, they would expect to have an impact on their workplaces by implementing social responsibility practices. Methodology: The methodology used was a descriptive study in which undergraduate students of the Faculty of Accounting and Administrative Sciences of the Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo, in Mexico, stated their level of acquired competence in the three dimensions of social responsibility. Results: The best evaluated competency was corporate governance, followed by the competence of fostering cultural change. Discussions: Participants consider it essential to promote gender equality and inclusion throughout the organization they would eventually work for. Conclusions: Business students identify themselves as well-suited to implement the necessary changes an organization requires through corporate governance policies and strategies, as expected for business profiles careers. However,  fostering cultural change requires additional effort,  especially in the areas of care for the environment, minimization of resources and promoting social responsibility actions within the community.