CHER 28th Annual Conference
Paper and Poster Proposal
Note: Please fill in the information between squared brackets [ ]. Delete when not applicable.
This whole document should not have more than 1,000 words.
[Title] More than truth telling: Academic ethics as accountability
Track [5]
Type of proposal: [paper]
[Author, Department (if applicable), Institution, City, State (US only), Country]
Prof. Laetus O.K. Lategan
Dean: Research and Innovation
Central University of Technology Free, State
Bloemfontein
South Africa
NOTE: No further information or detail should be included. Add as many author lines as needed.
Corresponding author: [Laetus O.K. Lategan]
Corresponding author’s email: llategan@cut.ac.za
Structured Abstract:
Purpose of this paper: [This paper will argue that ethics is no longer a matter of truth seeking in science
only. Through the centuries it was generally accepted that knowledge will be created, transferred and
applied in such a way that it reflects the universal ethical values of integrity, trust, respect and care. As
governments are steering universities to meet a social developmental agenda, academic labour has
become more regulated and business and industry invested in the R & D of universities, ethical
accountability became a reality. Universities have drafted ethical codes for their three mission statements
to pronounce on matters such as human rights, social responsibility, financial, environmental and resource
sustainability. Ethical leadership has become part of university management. Ethical hotlines are common
to universities. This paper will present a university ethics framework to steer its teaching, research and
engagement portfolio (“academic project”). The paper will conclude to argue that the dictum of “doing no
harm” is broader than interaction with human subjects only.]
Design/methodology/approach: [This paper is based on a literature review informed by a multidisciplinary framework for research and discourse. The literature reviewed will be informed by major
journal data basis like Elsevier and Springer on academic ethics. The literature review will be projected
against the ethical codes such as those from the Academy of Science in South Africa; European University
Association; American Association for Higher Education; American Association of University Professors;
Canadian College and University Student Services and the Australian Association for Research in
Education. The case in point will be debated from the South African higher education context.]
Findings: [The paper will reflect on four major findings: (a) No academic ethic can be implemented if
ethical leadership is available, if a code as a minimum standard is not presented and if training is not
presented. (b) Academic ethics is not limited to the university context only but should have relevance for a
university’s quadruple partnerships (government, business/industry, education and society. (c) As
universities are participating more in innovation, incubation and entrepreneurship project, academic ethics
is still excluding these activities from its scope. (d). As research has become big business, government
resources are declining and third stream income is at the order of the day, academic ethics should include
a business ethics for universities.]
Research limitations/implications (if applicable): [None.]
Practical implications (if applicable): [The findings of the research project will inform institutional and
national debates. The findings will also extend academics and administers’ view on what the ethical
challenges of a university are.]
Social Implications (if applicable): [There is not a national co-ordinates framework for academic ethics.
Such a framework will sensitize academics as to the scope of what academic ethics entails.]
What is original/value of paper: [Research ethics is well debated in South Africa and globally. An
academic ethics framework that will inform teaching, research and engagement as the academic project is
not well developed. The paper’s value will be to (a) unpack these ethical challenges, (b) to draft an
integrated framework and (c) to portray it as a broader understanding of accountability. Academics,
administrators and students will benefit from such a framework and discussion.]
Keywords: Academic ethics, research ethics, business ethics
References
ASSAf (Academy of Science of South Africa). 2010. The PhD Study: An evidence-based study on how to
meet the demands for high level skills in an emerging economy. Bloemfontein: ASSAf.
Lategan, L.O.K. Die normatiewe universiteit: Die biografie van ‘n filosoof. In L.O.K. Lategan, D.F.M.
Strauss en J.C. van der Merwe. Die etos van menswees. Opstelle in die etiek en filosofie. Bloemfontein:
VCHO.9-23.
Lategan, L.O.K. 2002. Ethics in higher education: Arguments for a framework related to Academia’s
Responsibility. Tydskrif vir Christelike Wetenskap. 37 (1 & 2): 61-70.
McKenna, S. 2011. Every PhD is a lie. Paper read at the 3rd Postgraduate Supervision Conference.
Stellenbosch: 18-21 April 2011.
Republic of South Africa. 1997 (amended). Higher Education Act. Pretoria: Government Printers.
Republic of South Africa. 2008. Intellectual Property Rights from Publicly Financial Research and
Development Act, 2008, Act 51 of 2009. Pretoria: Government Printers.
SARUA (Southern African Regional Universities Association). 2012. Doctoral education: Renewing the
academy. SARUA Leadership Dialogue Series Volume 4. No. 1.
Schulze, S. 2011 Mentoring to develop research self-efficacy, with particular reference to previously
disadvantaged individuals. Koers 75 (2): 429-451.
Strauss, D.F.M. 2009. Philosophy: discipline of disciplines. Grand Rapids: Paideia Press.
Acknowledgments (None):
Biographical Details:
[Laetus O.K. Lategan, Dean: Research and Innovation, Central University of Technology, Free State,
Bloemfontein, South Africa]