An Investigation of the Relationship between Organisational Culture and Sustainability Performance in Higher Education Institutions in Ilorin, Nigeria

Abstract

Increasingly, higher education institutions (HEIs) around the world are embracing the responsibility of educating the next generation about sustainability principles. HEIs in developed nations are making great efforts by committing vast resources and recording outstanding success in this regard, but those in developing countries like Nigeria are not faring so well yet. The aim of this study is to investigate the role of organisational culture in influencingsustainability performance in three HEIs in Ilorin, Nigeria. The study uses a mixedmethod approach to investigate this relationship. A sample of 100 stakeholders is drawn from each institution and a structured questionnaire is used to collect stakeholders’ perceptions about organisational culture and sustainability performance. The relationship between organisational culture and sustainability performance is analysed through regression analysis. A content analysis is undertaken of both the vision and mission statements from each institution to explain the quantitative results. Findings from quantitative analysis show a positive relationship between organisational culture and sustainability performance in each institution. In contrast, findings of qualitative analysis do not reflect that sustainability practice is an organisational value of each institution. Further research to investigate the level of stakeholders’ understanding of best practice of sustainability is suggested in order to resolve the divergence in findings.The main contribution of the study is that it provides empirical knowledge about the relationship between organisational culture and sustainability performance in higher education. Moreover, it ascertains the right balance of organisational culture traits required to support sustainability performance.