Principles and Values of University Social Responsibility: A Comparative Study Between Forestry and Social Work Students

Abstract

This study analyzes the incorporation of the University Social Responsibility (USR) approach—mandated by Law 30220—within the context of higher education accreditation in Peru. The ultimate objective was to determine differences in the perceived level of USR principles and values among students from the Faculties of Forestry and Environmental Sciences and Social Work at the National University of the Center of Peru. This research is basic, descriptive, and quantitative in nature, employing a linear descriptive-comparative design. A Likert-scale questionnaire—adapted from the "Universidad Construye País" project—was administered to a probability sample of 400 students (196 from Forestry Sciences and 204 from Social Work) to evaluate seven axiological dimensions. Instrument reliability was confirmed via a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.953, and comparative analysis was conducted using the non-parametric Mann Whitney U test at a 5% significance level. Results showed that a high level of perception predominated in Social Work (85.0%), whereas a medium level prevailed in Forestry Sciences (52.3%), revealing a 40.3% gap in the high-level category. Overall analytical comparison showed statistically significant differences (p = 0.000) favoring Social Work—a trend consistently observed across all specific dimensions evaluated (p < 0.05). It is concluded that significant differences exist in the perception of USR principles and values between the two faculties, demonstrating divergent axiological development influenced by the nature of the academic study programs.