Gender and XYZ Generations Perspective on Academic Misconduct: Evidence from Indonesia

Abstract

Academic misconduct not only violates the rules and ethics that govern the academic world but also destroys the integrity of individuals and the quality of education. This study aims to explain academic dishonesty from the perspective of gender and XYZ generations by using a qualitative descriptive method. A total of 155 students and lecturers from three universities were engaged in this study. The study was located on Java Island Indonesia which represents the most universities in Indonesia. The findings of this study indicated, first, that females are more careful in engaging in academic misconduct such as plagiarism than males. However, from past experience, females were more inclined to practice copy-pasting in their works than males. Second, it was found that the act of copy-pasting was increasing from generation to generation. The implication of higher education to sustain the quality of education is by forcing the punishment for students or lecturers who are engaged in academic misconduct. When examples of academic misconduct occur among lecturers or staff members and students, this can send a negative message to the community about the importance of integrity and ethical behavior.

Keywords: Academic misconduct, community engagement, gender, XYZ generations

JEL Classification: I23, M49