American International Journal of Contemporary Research

Vol. 2 No. 3; March 2012

Corporate Social Responsibility in Higher Education Institutions: Istanbul Bilgi University Case
Gresi Sanje Dahan, PhD Assistant Professor Istanbul Bilgi University Advertising Department Kazım Karabekir Cad. No:1 34060 Eyup Istanbul, Turkey Isil Senol, PhD Teaching Assistant Istanbul Bilgi University Advertising Department Kazım Karabekir Cad. No:1 34060 Eyup Istanbul, Turkey Abstract
Universities, especially private ones are in need of strong corporate strategies in order to be successful in the highly competitive education industry. In this respect, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) becomes one of the highly preferred strategies by higher education institutions for gaining a good reputation and a competitive advantage. This study aims to analyze Istanbul Bilgi University, in the context of social responsibility practices. The major finding of the study is that in order for an institution to be successful in CSR strategy, CSR actions has to be internalized and must be supported by the management.

Keywords: Corporate social responsibility, higher education, competitive advantage, reputation. 1. Introduction
Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is defined through the ethical relationship and transparency of the company with all its stakeholders that has a relationship as well as with the establishment of corporate goals that are compatible with the sustainable development of society, preserving environmental and cultural resources for future generations, respecting diversity and promoting the reduction of social problems (Filho et al. 2010). While CSR points out a way for companies to contribute to the well-being of the society, it also gives the opportunity to create a true competitive advantage and positive reputation for the business world (Smith 2007, Porter and