ETHICS OF HIGHER EDUCATION MANAGEMENT IN THE FACE OF DIGITAL DIVIDE FOR SUSTAINABILITY

Abstract

The ethics of higher education management in the digital age is increasingly shaped by the persistent digital divide, which threatens equity, inclusivity, and sustainability. The digital divide is not merely about access to technology but extends to inequalities in digital literacy, quality of use, and opportunities for empowerment. This paper explores the ethical implications of the digital divide in higher education, particularly in relation to sustainable development. It provides a conceptual overview of the digital divide, discusses its multiple levels, and analyzes its ethical and managerial implications. Furthermore, it examines how the digital divide influences sustainability goals, particularly access to quality education, research capacity, and global competitiveness. Finally, the paper suggests practical strategies for higher education management, including infrastructure expansion, digital literacy promotion, inclusive policy-making, ethical ICT governance, and alignment with sustainability goals. The discussion emphasizes that bridging the digital divide is not only a technological imperative but also a moral obligation for higher education leaders committed to building a just, inclusive, and sustainable future.