The university at the crossroads of three ecologies: natural environment, culture and economy

OpenAlex İngilizce

This study aims to investigate a novel approach in higher education known as the ecological university. This is a university that understands both the world’s interconnection and its own interconnectedness to the world. Such a university aims to serve the world and engage in civic activity. According to this perspective, the university exists amid seven interrelated ecologies. The current study focuses on how the university could engage with three of these ecologies: the natural environment, culture, and economy. The research took place in Gaziantep, Turkey, a gateway to the Middle East. An exploratory research design employing qualitative data was utilised. The study participants included key figures from the natural environment, culture, and economy ecologies. Thirty-three participants from inside and outside the university were selected using criterion sampling and maximum variation techniques. The collected data was analysed using NVIVO 12, a qualitative data analysis tool, through content analysis. The results confirm that the university is organically interconnected to its surrounding ecologies, natural environment, culture, and economy. It also emerged that while the natural environment, culture, and economy could influence university functions and structures, universities could also use their resources to promote the improvement and well-being of each ecology.