Academic integrity violations in higher education: a systematic literature review from 2013–2023

Abstract

PurposeThis study aimed to review the different types of academic integrity violations reported in the literature between 2013 and 2023. Moreover, this study investigated the causes of these violations and recommends approaches and measures that can be implemented to minimise academic integrity violations in the era of artificial intelligence (AI).Design/methodology/approachWe reviewed 27 articles published between 2013 and 2023 from the Scopus database. We followed the reporting guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses to select, filter, and report relevant studies that met the research objectives.FindingsThe study revealed that various individual, institutional, social, cultural, and technological factors contribute to academic integrity violations. To minimise this issue, higher education institutions should offer brief academic integrity tutorial courses to all first-year students to enhance their knowledge of academic integrity. Moreover, academic honour codes should be regularly reviewed and updated, and technological tools should be implemented to detect AI-generated third-party assignments submitted by students. Furthermore, higher education institutions should frequently conduct training and workshops to educate students on the consequences of violating academic integrity.Originality/valueThis study contributes to existing literature. It highlights the wider societal implications of academic integrity violations such as their influence on workforce readiness and ethical standards in professional environments.