Abstract

This chapter explores the importance of human values in higher education using a multi-criteria approach. By incorporating a values-based framework, it attempts to reveal the complex interaction between various factors that are crucial for integrating human values into institutional management. This method not only yields insights into the benefits of integrating these values into organizational structures, but also highlights their potential to enhance academic and social outcomes, while strengthening institutional culture and operational efficiency. The effective implementation of this approach requires strategic planning, active stakeholder involvement and a commitment to continuous improvement. Given the diversity of stakeholder values, perceptions and aspirations, conflicts between objectives often arise. To address this issue, a case study was conducted using the Analytic Hierarchical Process (AHP) within the Chilean higher education landscape to discern priority human values. Based on empirical data from a public and a private university, an initial model was formulated. The results highlighted the central role of educators and managers in this context, underlining the important influence they can use.