Summary
This is a summary of Applying Ethical Theories: Interpreting and Responding to Student Plagiarism by Granitz, N. and D. Loewy (2007) in the Journal of Business Ethics, vol. 72, pp 293-306.
The journal focuses on why students plagiarise during their studies and the reasoning that they use to defend plagiarism; uncovering their rational behind their choices. Granitz and Loewy (2007) conduct observational research from a West Coast university to identify and understand the different types of reasoning and justifications that students use to support their acts of plagiarism. Students caught plagiarising were brought before the dean of students and interviewed on why they had committed an act of plagiarism.
Two judges independently conducted a study using the same guidelines and assessment (inter-rater) reliability criteria. Presenting findings on the 6 different types of ethical theories, Deontology, Utilitarianism, Rational self-interest, Machiavellianism, Cultural relativism, and Situational ethics; putting forward rational for plagiarism. Tables of percentages were drawn up and percentage levels for each group discussed; along with an analysis on chi square tests vs demographic variables and behavioural variables. After looking at all of the findings, the study has a direct correlation to past research and differentiated recommendations were outlined for each ethical theory.
In the end, practical examples of what steps an institute should take for each ethical theory and how these policies and procedures should be implemented are presented. Citing that a clear, concise, streamlined approach should be evident within plagiarism rules and regulations. Ensuring student accountability for each ethical theory and server enfo...
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...egrees honestly…consequences this will have on them once they enter the world of work…if they do not put more effort into their academic work…they may find themselves struggling to find and keep employment because the market world has become very competitive”.
Research suggests that there is an association between cheating in college and cheating in business. Educators must teach possible outcome, explain what actually happens to students that plagiarise; show real life examples.
Fischer and Zigmond (2011:100-103) state
“If someone 's plagiarism is not detected until years later, there still can be consequences; they could lose their job or even have their degree revoked”. The German Secretary of Defence thesis was withdrawn from the University of Bayreuth because of plagiarism. 270 pages out of 393 contained copied text. Subsequently he resigned from his post.
absolute but only relative to a person or group of people. Absolutism is the acceptance of absolute principles. Both of these ethical philosophies are found today and have been present since the beginning of recorded history. History also proves the negative impact or weakness of a relative culture. The philosophy of relativism is a growing trend in the society of American students. In Fahrenheit 451, relativism makes up almost the entire society. This story shows that the course of a society without