Ethics in Conflict: Diverging Views on Unethical Behavior Among Students and Faculty in Albanian Higher Education

Abstract

This study investigates unethical behaviors among students and faculty within higher education institutions in Albania. It seeks to identify the most prevalent unethical actions and analyze the differing perceptions between students and faculty. A quantitative explanatory research design was utilized, with a stratified sample comprising 736 participants from public universities in Albania. Separate questionnaires were designed and administered to capture the perceptions of students and faculty, respectively. Findings reveal that while both groups perceive unethical behaviors as serious, they do not consider them frequent. Plagiarism, grade manipulation, student exploitation, unequal treatment, and classroom disruptions were identified as the most common unethical behaviors reported by both students and faculty. Across all cases, students reported a higher frequency and perceived severity of unethical behaviors, whether enacted by students or faculty, whereas faculty members demonstrated a greater sensitivity to the severity of these behaviors. The study concludes with key recommendations, including strengthening the legislative framework and mechanisms for preventing and addressing ethical violations, as well as enhancing ethical education and professional development opportunities for faculty.

Received: 7 August 2024 / Accepted: 29 October 2024 / Published: 05 November 2024