Social Participation Strategies in Local Communities; Internal and External Stakeholders viewpoints

Authors

1 Ph.D. Student in Higher Education Management, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran

2 Professor of Educational Management, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran.

3 Professor of Educational Management, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, University of Semnan, Semnan, Iran

4 Assistant Professor of Educational Planning, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran.

Abstract

The purpose of present research was to recognition of universities social participation strategies with Local Communities in Semnan province and university of Semnan. Research method was mixed (quantitative and qualitative). Qualitative part was based on Grounded theory which its process administered through three stages of open, axial and selective coding using deep interview with experts. For this purpose, through purposeful sampling and theoretical saturation, semi – structured interview was administered with 13university internal stakeholders and 16 external stakeholders who were familiar with university social participation. Qualitative part is based on affirmative factor analysis which 385 person were selected as sample size. Finding from data analysis revealed 20 concepts and functions that through filtration and repetitive issues, 20 saturated concepts were recognized which are categorized in 10 items in a paradigmatic model of research showing strategic university social participation factors including:  developing university mission based on local community needs, scientific work shop and conferences, participatory research contracts, employment of local human resources, establishing local participation, building non – governmental communities and corporations, directing teaching and research toward solving Semnan problems, supervising research activities, comprehensive studies in the field of minerals, staring work shop for farmers, study graduates employment, start and developing new fields of study based on province and region needs, educating citizens about production and separation of domestic disposals, open university social climate for growth and supply of youth, teaching hand crafts to housewife's, especially in rural areas, sensitive programs related to environment, and reviewing educational contents based on community needs. Also, finding of quantitative parts confirm recognized strategies.

Keywords