Managing research misconduct at university: a case study

Abstract

It is the case study of the academic plagiarism disclosed in one of the Lithuanian Universities. The doctoral student wrote his thesis using the data of other researchers without permission and a due reference to previous works. After he was awarded a doctoral degree, one of the authors noticed the fact and brought it to the notice of the University. Further actions (and inaction) of the University made this story an object of discussions for the mass media, the courts, and wider academic society. This case is analyzed from the perspective of the University conflict management actions by using the organizational documents analysis and interview method. The analysis shows that actions of the University taken in solving this case were inconsistent and contradictory. Application of ethical tools appeared to be a formality. The safety of hierarchical relations and personal interests were placed above the interests of the University, such as high-quality research, transparent distribution of resources among the staff, adherence to the standards of research ethics.