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Applying Ethical Theories: Interpreting and Responding to Student Plagiarism

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  • Neil Granitz
  • Dana Loewy

Abstract

Given the tremendous proliferation of student plagiarism involving the Internet, the purpose of this study is to determine which theory of ethical reasoning students invoke when defending their transgressions: deontology, utilitarianism, rational self-interest, Machiavellianism, cultural relativism, or situational ethics. Understanding which theory of ethical reasoning students employ is critical, as preemptive steps can be taken by faculty to counteract this reasoning and prevent plagiarism. Additionally, it has been demonstrated that unethical behavior in school can lead to unethical behavior in business; therefore, correcting unethical behavior in school can have a positive impact on organizational ethics. To meet this objective, a content analysis was conducted on the written records of students formally charged with plagiarizing at a large West Coast university. Each case was classified according to the primary ethical reasoning that the student used to justify plagiarism. Results indicate that students predominately invoke deontology, situational ethics, and Machiavellianism. Based on these findings, specific recommendations are offered to curb plagiarism. Copyright Springer Science+Business Media, Inc. 2007

Suggested Citation

  • Neil Granitz & Dana Loewy, 2007. "Applying Ethical Theories: Interpreting and Responding to Student Plagiarism," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 72(3), pages 293-306, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:jbuset:v:72:y:2007:i:3:p:293-306
    DOI: 10.1007/s10551-006-9171-9
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Cam Caldwell, 2010. "A Ten-Step Model for Academic Integrity: A Positive Approach for Business Schools," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 92(1), pages 1-13, March.
    2. Joanne Jones & Gary Spraakman, 2011. "A Case of Academic Misconduct: Does Self‐Interest Rule?," Accounting Perspectives, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 10(1), pages 1-22, March.
    3. Lillian Y. Fok & Dinah M. Payne & Christy M. Corey, 2016. "Cultural Values, Utilitarian Orientation, and Ethical Decision Making: A Comparison of U.S. and Puerto Rican Professionals," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 134(2), pages 263-279, March.
    4. Sandra Scott, 2017. "From Plagiarism‐Plagued to Plagiarism‐Proof: Using Anonymized Case Assignments in Intermediate Accounting," Accounting Perspectives, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 16(4), pages 247-268, December.
    5. Singh, Anil & Mangalaraj, George & Taneja, Aakash, 2011. "An approach to detecting plagiarism in spreadsheet assignments: A digital answer to digital cheating," Journal of Accounting Education, Elsevier, vol. 29(2), pages 142-152.
    6. Ballantine, J.A. & McCourt Larres, P. & Mulgrew, M., 2014. "Determinants of academic cheating behavior: The future for accountancy in Ireland," Accounting forum, Elsevier, vol. 38(1), pages 55-66.
    7. Anne Christensen & Jane Cote & Claire Kamm Latham, 2018. "Developing Ethical Confidence: The Impact of Action-Oriented Ethics Instruction in an Accounting Curriculum," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 153(4), pages 1157-1175, December.
    8. Muhammad Rhies Khan & Mustaghis-Ur Rahman & Anita Laila & Ali Gohar & Sana Azhar, 2023. "Maintaining Business Ethics during COVID-19 Pandemic in Globalized World: A Comparison of Ethical Theories and Future Research Perspective," Journal of Economic Impact, Science Impact Publishers, vol. 5(1), pages 42-49.
    9. Noer Sasongko* & Mahruf Noor Hasyim & Dahlia Fernandez, 2019. "Analysis of Behavioral Factors that Cause Student Academic Fraud," The Journal of Social Sciences Research, Academic Research Publishing Group, vol. 5(3), pages 830-837, 03-2019.
    10. Daniela Sorea & Gheorghe Roșculeț & Ana-Maria Bolborici, 2021. "Readymade Solutions and Students’ Appetite for Plagiarism as Challenges for Online Learning," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(7), pages 1-16, March.

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