DETERMINANTS OF ACADEMIC FRAUD IN HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS: A FRAUD TRIANGLE PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

This study examines the factors influencing academic fraud based on two components of the fraud triangle theory in a faculty of a university from the perspective of students. Specifically, this study examine whether pressure and opportunity increase the students’ propensity to commit academic fraud. Using questionnaire survey on 227 respondents, this study shows a positive relationship between pressure and academic fraud. Among the reasons for the presence of pressure are wanting to help a friend, not likely to get caught, assessment being too difficult and pressure to get good grades. This study also shows a positive relationship between opportunity and academic fraud. Among the reasons are little or no discussion in class on academic fraud with specific examples and explanations of the consequences and, little or no reference being made to the University’s policy on academic fraud in the syllabus and, students do not sign a statement that their work is their own. The findings of this study may enhance the readers understanding toward the relationship between the variables. This is imperative for a university especially the management to consider academic fraud as a serious issue. It is hope that the faculty can devise appropriate policies and procedures or improve its existing system to minimise the instance of academic fraud in the future, as well as meeting its organisational goals.