The True Cost of Academic Dishonesty

The True Cost of Academic Dishonesty Sims (1993), a major researcher in the area of academic dishonestly, defines academic dishonesty as any act that gives any person an unfair or unearned advantage in an academic setting. While means such as cheating, plagiarism, fabrication, and bribery may raise a students grades, the consequences are concerning. An investigation of studies shows that academic dishonesty limits educational intuitions and negatively influences an individual’s future behaviour.

Academic dishonesty has a considerable negative influence on the educational system. A study explains that academic dishonesty “undermines the efforts of instructors to properly evaluate and address any shortcomings in students knowledge” (Jurdi, Hage, & Chow, 2011, p. 2). The effectiveness of the system is compromised making it difficult for intuitions to accomplish their mission of teaching.

Engaging in academic dishonesty has a lasting impact on a student’s behaviour. A study found that an individual’s variety and severity of dishonesty during school correlates to their variety and severity of dishonesty in the workplace (Sims, 1993). “Once an individual forms the attitude that cheating is acceptable behavior, he or she is likely to use this behavior, not only in the educational arena but also in other areas” (Nonis & Cathy, 2001, p. 75). Individuals who take part in dishonest acts in academics are likely to apply this behavior to other life situations.

Academic dishonestly may seem beneficial to some students, however the true cost needs to be considered. This behavior leads to unethical practices in the workplace. Students will perceive academic dishonesty has a more serious offence as post-secondary intuitions develop striker polices and penalties.

References

Jurdi, R., Hage, H. S., & Chow, H. P. H. (2011). Academic dishonesty in the Canadian classroom: Behaviours of a sample of university students. The Canadian Journal of Higher Education, 41(3), 1-35.

Nonis, S., & Cathy, O. S. (2001). An examination of the relationship between academic dishonesty and workplace dishonesty: A multicampus investigation. Journal of Education for Business, 77(2), 69-77.

Sims, R. L. (1993). The relationship between academic dishonesty and unethical business practices. Journal of Education for Business, 68(4), 207

References: Jurdi, R., Hage, H. S., & Chow, H. P. H. (2011). Academic dishonesty in the Canadian classroom: Behaviours of a sample of university students. The Canadian Journal of Higher Education, 41(3), 1-35. Nonis, S., & Cathy, O. S. (2001). An examination of the relationship between academic dishonesty and workplace dishonesty: A multicampus investigation. Journal of Education for Business, 77(2), 69-77. Sims, R. L. (1993). The relationship between academic dishonesty and unethical business practices. Journal of Education for Business, 68(4), 207