Encouraging the Implementation of Sustainable Development Practices in Open Distance Learning Higher Education Institutions: Utilizing Structural Equation Modeling for Analysis

James Alexander Gordon on 27th August 2025



Author Information

Astri Dwi Jayanti Suhandoko, Universitas Terbuka, Indonesia
Lidwina Sri Ardiasih, Universitas Terbuka, Indonesia
Fawzi Rahmadiyan Zuhairi, Universitas Terbuka, Indonesia

Abstract

This study investigates barriers to sustainable development (SDG 4) in Indonesia’s online distance education, using Universitas Terbuka (UT) as a critical case. Despite national policy commitments, institutional adoption faces challenges including high staff turnover, resource fragmentation, and unclear implementation pathways. Employing a quantitative design, data researcher collected from 1,152 UT staff across 39 Indonesian regions and one overseas office via mixed online/face-to-face surveys. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM-PLS) analysis revealed: (1) Leadership Style, Behavioral Control, and Organizational Commitment significantly drive Sustainable Development Practices (β = 0.38, p < 0.01; β = 0.29, p < 0.05; β = 0.41, p < 0.001); (2) Turnover Intention mediates sustainability success, explaining 33% of variance. By extending the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), researchers show Organizational Commitment as the pivotal filter translating leadership into behavioral change. Practical recommendations include: (a) embedding sustainability KPIs into performance standards, (b) charismatic leadership development programs, and (c) targeted retention initiatives for high-impact roles. Future research should explore green compensation models to strengthen UT’s sustainability-turnover nexus.


Paper Information

Conference: ACE2025
Stream: Adult

This paper is part of the ACE2025 Conference Proceedings (View)
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To cite this article:
Suhandoko A., Ardiasih L., & Zuhairi F. (2026) Encouraging the Implementation of Sustainable Development Practices in Open Distance Learning Higher Education Institutions: Utilizing Structural Equation Modeling for Analysis ISSN: 2186-5892 – The Asian Conference on Education 2025: Official Conference Proceedings (pp. 511-527) https://doi.org/10.22492/issn.2186-5892.2026.39
To link to this article: https://doi.org/10.22492/issn.2186-5892.2026.39

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