ESG in the Internationalization of Higher Education Institutions

Abstract

Purpose: The phenomenon of sustainability studies in the Economic, Social and Governance (ESG) dimensions has been developing in the literature, as well as that of the Internationalization of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), demanding practices to enhance actions that add healthy values to society. Based on this provocation, the objective of this research was to develop instruments capable of evaluating how HEIs incorporate the ESG principle in their internationalization initiatives.   Theoretical Framework: For the development of the research we used ESG and its criteria (environmental, social and governance), relevant perspectives for sustainability in HEIs and internationalization of HEIs.   Method: This research is based on a qualitative approach with an exploratory framework, with support from the databases Periódicos Capes, EbscoHost and Spell.org.br.   Results and Discussion: The research discussed the literature to support the construction of two collection instruments: a structured interview script and a questionnaire, both modeled for application to professors or staff responsible for internationalization projects or initiatives in their respective HEIs.   Research Implications: It is expected that the aforementioned research products can be used to support future research on ESG principles applied to higher education internationalization initiatives.   Originality and Value: The research innovates in the articulation of two important themes (ESG and Internationalization of HEIs) and delivers two products for qualitative and quantitative research.