Ethics and Corruption in Higher Education

Unethical Behavior and Lack of Integrity among Academic Staff and Officials in Higher Education Institutions in the Republic of Kosovo

Abstract

This paper explores the phenomenon of corruption and unethical behavior which has become commonplace in higher education. The lack of professional ethics, rigged competitions, favor exchange, announced tenders for particular bidders, nepotism, falsified academic titles and publications that do not meet the required criteria, selling grades, etc., make corruption a worrying factor. Despite positive achievements, Kosovo is facing significant problems of corruption, which reduces the level of trust of citizens in state and public institutions, including the education system. In addition, students feel threatened and unprotected by institutional structures, due to this phenomenon. In democracy, citizens show interest in seeing justice applied in the education system in their country. Students are nowadays conscious of making the difference between the unethical and ethical behavior of their professors. If students do not believe in the transparency and effectiveness of the education system, the consequences may be much greater than the impact on economic growth. In this regard, Universities have been constantly considered as organizations that respond slowly to changes that are influenced by external factors, having in mind that they function on the basis of professional bureaucracy, however, leaving the impression of corruption and unethical behavior towards students. If, as a result of corruption, citizens do not believe in the education system, the consequences may be greater than the impact on economic growth.