The role of responsible management education (RME) in helping to address irresponsible practices: A case study from the global south

The literature on Responsible Management Education (RME) has consistently advocated for its effectiveness in equipping future leaders with the essential knowledge and skills. Various studies (Nonet & Kassel, 2016; Russo et al., 2023; Eustachio et al., 2024) have supported the positive impact of RME on shaping ethical and sustainable behaviour (Zhang & Szerencsi, 2022) and thus, in impacting on reducing irresponsible or poor behaviours. This paper aims to investigate the underlying causes of irresponsible behaviour and propose ways in which an institution can leverage its existing initiatives on education for sustainable development (ESD) to mitigate such behaviours and promote a more responsible and sustainable learning environment.
This research paper is part of an interpretive, inductive, qualitative study that aims to investigate the obstacles and catalysts for sustainability in higher education institutions (HEIs). Empirical evidence was obtained through thematic analysis of 43 semi-structured interviews conducted as part of a single case study in a Saudi Arabian higher education institution (HEI). This organisation has a strong history of integrating responsible management principles (PRME) into its teaching, research, and operations. Despite this, the study revealed that the institution still faces sustainability challenges due to certain irresponsible actions.
Despite being a signatory of PRME, there are underlying challenges in behaviour. Consequently, it is crucial to raise awareness. Participants suggested that additional institutional support is necessary to cultivate awareness among students from the initial stages of their enrolment in the university until graduation. In addition, it is recommended by Mousa et al. (2023) that RME should incorporate community outreach activities outside of the university in order to effectively raise awareness and acquire additional skills.
This paper is valuable because it is one of a few studies to address a gap in the literature on Responsible Management Education (RME). Specifically, it focuses on the barriers that PRME signatory institutions in Saudi Arabia face. Russo et al. (2023) verified that more than 75% of RME literature originates from the global north. This finding emphasises the need for additional empirical research from the global south, particularly from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, where RME is in high demand (Mousa et al., 2020).