Social responsibility of the Lebanese private universities: A qualitative study of Notre Dame University using document analysis of publicly available data

Universities' role is gaining more importance than ever before due to the challenges facing the stakeholders to whom such universities appeal. When the power structure of the community is highly respected and the approach of the universities becomes more stakeholders centered, the negative externalities and societal challenges can be lessened. Such negative externalities and societal challenges are ubiquitous in Lebanon which requires assessing the social responsibility of the Lebanese private universities in preparing students to combat these challenges and in appealing to the stakeholders.;This study argues that the Lebanese private universities can acquire an edge when adopting high socially responsible practices especially in the presence of hyper competition which characterizes the industry. Social responsibility of the Lebanese private universities is perceived within the human resource frame via its influence on retaining the employees and creating a noble cause for them and the political frame through respecting the power structure of the community.;This study attempts to explore the stance of the Lebanese universities regarding social responsibility through taking a sample which is Notre Dame University (NDU). The assessment of social responsibility at NDU is done through document analysis of publicly available data. The approach used to make this assessment is the Balanced Scorecard tool which is based on four indicators. The indicators which are thoroughly analyzed are the customer perspective, financial perspective, learning and growth and internal business process perspective. This analysis will be compiled into the balanced scorecard which mostly fits the objective of this research study for understanding social responsibility in the Lebanese private universities to come up with recommendations at the end of the study directing the Lebanese universities to meet the international standards in their endeavors to be internationally accredited and recognized.