Institutional Accountability Research Articles

Pengaruh Pendapatan Orang Tua, Literasi Keuangan, dan Gaya Hidup Terhadap Pengelolaan Keuangan Pribadi Siswa SMKN 6 Surabaya

This study aims to analyze whether there is a simultaneous influence between parental income, financial literacy, and lifestyle on the personal financial management of students at Vocational High School 6 Surabaya, to analyze whether there is an influence between parental income on the personal financial management of students at SMKN 6 Surabaya, to analyze Is there an influence between financial literacy on the personal financial management of Vocational High School 6 Surabaya students, and to analyze whether there is an influence between lifestyle on the personal financial management of Vocational High School 6 Surabaya students. The respondents in this research were class X students majoring in financial and institutional accounting at Vocational High School 6 Surabaya, totaling 72 respondents. The sampling technique used in this research is saturated sampling. Data collection techniques use questionnaires and tests. The results of this study indicate that (1) Parental income, financial literacy, and lifestyle simultaneously influence the personal financial management of S Vocational High School 6 Surabaya students (2) Parental income significantly influences the personal financial management of Vocational High School 6 Surabaya students (3) Literacy finances have a significant influence on the personal financial management of Vocational High School 6 Surabaya students (4) Lifestyle has a significant influence on the personal financial management of Vocational High School 6 Surabaya students.

Decolonizing botanical gardens

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to untangle the influence of Linda Tuhiwai Smith’s Decolonizing Methodologies on botanical gardens, particularly in the context of commemorating 25 years since its publication. By examining the intersections between decolonial theory and botanical practices, this article seeks to elucidate the ways in which Smith’s work has informed and inspired efforts to decolonize botanical research, conservation and education. Through a narrative review and case study analysis, this article highlights key insights, challenges and opportunities for botanical gardens to embrace decolonial practices and foster more equitable and inclusive relationships with Indigenous communities, science and knowledge systems.Design/methodology/approachThe design and methodology of this article involve a narrative literature review and comparative case study analysis (Petticrew and Roberts, 2006; Goodrick, 2014). The review synthesizes scholarly articles, books and reports on decolonizing botanical practices, focusing on literature that stems from Indigenous science, identifies engagement strategies and advocates for systemic change within botanical institutions. Key themes and recommendations are identified and analyzed to provide insights into future directions for decolonizing botanical gardens. This approach allows for a thorough examination of current discourse and best practices in decolonial theory and botanical research, informing actionable recommendations for advancing decolonization within botanical gardens.FindingsThe findings reveal that Linda Tuhiwai Smith’s Decolonizing Methodologies has significantly influenced botanical gardens, inspiring efforts to prioritize Indigenous knowledge systems, deepen community engagement and advocate for systemic change. While progress has been made in integrating decolonial practices, challenges persist, including the need for greater institutional commitment, capacity building and accountability. However, opportunities abound for botanical gardens to continue advancing decolonization, particularly through partnerships with Indigenous communities, educational outreach and policy advocacy. Overall, the findings underscore the importance of ongoing reconciliation and action in cultivating more equitable and respectful relationships that advance principles of Indigenous data sovereignty and governance.Research limitations/implicationsWhile this article offers valuable insights into the influence of Linda Tuhiwai Smith’s Decolonizing Methodologies on botanical gardens, several limitations must be acknowledged. Firstly, the literature review may not document all relevant transformations undertaken by gardens to date if such initiatives are not documented in the public domain, such as institutional websites. Additionally, the review primarily focuses on English-language literature, limiting the exploration of decolonial practices for botanical gardens in non-English-speaking contexts.Practical implicationsThis article holds several practical implications for botanical gardens seeking to decolonize. Firstly, by prioritizing Indigenous knowledge and deepening community engagement, botanical gardens can foster more inclusive and respectful relationships with Indigenous communities. Secondly, advocating for systemic change and policy reforms will address institutionalized inequities and recognize Indigenous People’s rights, including biocultural and intellectual property. Additionally, investing in educational outreach and capacity-building initiatives can enhance institutional and public understanding of decolonization. Overall, embracing decolonial practices can contribute to the adoption and advancement of Indigenous Data Sovereignty and the CARE Principles for Indigenous Data Governance within botanical gardens and beyond.Social implicationsThis article highlights the importance of decolonizing botanical gardens for promoting justice and equity. By centering Indigenous rights to data sovereignty, such as attribution of traditional and biocultural knowledge, botanical gardens can contribute to reconciliation efforts and promote respect for Indigenous rights and sovereignty. Additionally, addressing colonial legacies and systemic inequalities within botanical institutions can advance botanical justice and help build more just and equitable societies. Moreover, this transformation also aligns with a growing legal movement recognizing the inherent rights of Nature, including plant relatives collected, stored and stewarded by botanic gardens.Originality/valueThis article contributes to the literature by exploring the intersection of decolonizing methodologies and botanic gardens, particularly in the context of Linda Tuhiwai Smith’s influential work. By synthesizing key insights and offering actionable recommendations, this review provides guidance on future directions botanic gardens can follow to advance their decolonization strategies and initiatives in furtherance of botanical justice.

Features of the functioning of the European Union institutional mechanism

The institutional mechanism of the European Union remains an important object of research in connection with the constant evolution of integration processes and political challenges faced by the EU. In the conditions of globalization, economic crises and geopolitical instability, there is a need for a flexible and effective management system. However, despite significant achievements in the development of its institutions, the EU continues to face challenges related to the transparency of decision-making, the accountability of institutions and the proper representation of the interests of Union citizens. This is especially relevant against the background of the current debates on reforming the EU and improving its internal architecture. The article focuses on analyzing the institutional mechanism of the European Union, its evolution, and the current challenges in ensuring the effective functioning of this supranational organization. The aim of the study is to examine the functioning of the EU’s institutional mechanism in terms of its ability to ensure coherence and efficiency in decision-making processes and the implementation of common policies. The research employed general scientific methods of cognition, such as analysis, synthesis, induction, deduction, and comparison. The study’s findings show that the institutional mechanism of the European Union is a complex, multi-level system that ensures the interaction of key institutions for the Union’s effective operation. The European Council performs a strategic role by determining the overall political directions of EU development. The European Commission carries out executive responsibilities and initiates legislative proposals, while the European Parliament and the Council of the EU jointly exercise legislative functions, emphasizing the equality of these institutions in decision-making. The Court of Justice of the European Union ensures compliance with legislation, providing legal oversight over the implementation of EU treaties and decisions, thereby guaranteeing the legal consistency of all institutions’ activities. The European Central Bank plays a key role in financial control, being responsible for monetary policy, while the Court of Auditors oversees the spending of the EU budget. The EU’s institutional system also includes numerous auxiliary bodies and agencies, such as the Committee of Permanent Representatives (COREPER), which plays a critical role in policy coordination between member states. These institutions provide multi-level cooperation between national governments and EU bodies, highlighting the Union’s supranational character and its integration processes.

A Bibliometric Analysis of Audit Delays: Implications for Financial Transparency and Sustainable Development Goals

Objective: This study aims to provide a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of global research on audit delays, with a focus on identifying trends and factors that influence audit timeliness. The study seeks to assess the implications of these delays on financial reporting efficiency and institutional transparency, aligning with the goals of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions. Theoretical Framework: The research is grounded in the literature on audit timeliness and its impact on corporate governance, financial transparency, and accountability. The study also incorporates sustainability frameworks, particularly SDG 16, which emphasizes the need for transparent and accountable institutions to foster trust and contribute to sustainable development. Method: This study utilizes a bibliometric analysis to explore global trends in audit delay research from 2020 to 2023. Data were collected using Google Scholar and analyzed using VOSviewer software to map co-authorship, citation networks, and keyword co-occurrence. A total of 999 relevant publications were identified and analyzed. Results and Discussion: The analysis identified five key clusters of research related to audit delays: company characteristics, auditor tenure, regulatory frameworks, technological advancements, and industry-specific challenges. The findings highlight that larger companies, higher profitability, and complex audit processes often lead to delays. Regulatory requirements such as the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and local regulations in Indonesia were shown to lengthen audit times. Technological innovations such as AI and blockchain have the potential to reduce delays but face uneven adoption. Addressing these delays is crucial for achieving SDG 16 by improving transparency and strengthening institutional governance. Research Implications: The study underscores the need for tailored solutions to mitigate audit delays in different regions and industries. It calls for increased adoption of technological innovations, improved regulatory frameworks, and context-specific approaches to enhance audit timeliness and institutional accountability, contributing to the broader goals of SDG 16. Originality/Value: This research provides a novel bibliometric analysis of audit delay literature, highlighting the intersection of financial reporting timeliness with sustainability goals. It offers valuable insights into how addressing audit delays can support the creation of transparent and accountable institutions, which is crucial for achieving SDG 16.

REPRESENTATION AND DEMOCRATIC PROCESS IN THE PRODUCTION OF ACCOUNTING STANDARDS BY THE IASB: A DISCURSIVE ANALYSIS

In a globalized world where representation and democratic values ​​are extolled, especially in the West, institutions that do not profess and practice them are criticized for lacking legitimacy. The International Accounting Standards Board (IASB), as a social institution, influences and is influenced by the social environment. However, criticism has been leveled at the institution regarding its legitimacy, especially because it is a private regulatory entity. Such criticism calls into question values ​​such as independence, public interest, due process, accountability, diversity, and representativeness. The objective of this paper is to analyze, based on some documents published by the IASB, the values ​​that this institution professes, seeking to confer the perception of legitimacy before the public. The theoretical premise adopted is that of social constructivism and institutional accounting theory, which advocate that meanings and symbols are social constructions and that, therefore, institutions play an important role in the creation, maintenance, or modification of symbolic universes, as well as in their legitimacy. Discourse Analysis (DA) will be used as an instrument capable of revealing the values ​​advocated by the IASB. In the end, it is found that the IASB has professed values ​​such as representativeness, diversity, transparency, due process, public interest, independence, and accountability, seeking to legitimize itself before the public. In this sense, this article contributes to highlighting that the IASB's discourse is in tune with social values ​​dear to the Western world.

Departures and Arrivals: On the Importance of Researching Dangerously

ABSTRACTWe begin the last article of this special issue by contextualizing the current landscape of higher education, in 2024. Then, employing a kitchen table dialogue approach, we summarize the diverse articles featured throughout this edition, shedding light on insights that stir both our spirits and intellect. Further, we delve into three key themes that were consistently raised by authors, underscoring the urgency of researching dangerously. Lastly, we conclude with a call to action to students, faculty, academic leaders, and journal editors, offering tangible strategies to propel us beyond the current status quo toward fostering institutional responsibility and accountability.

The destruction of Sciences at Massey University and why we need an independent entity that can investigate universities

This article summarises the events that led to the dismantling of the school of Natural and Computational Sciences at Massey University, Albany campus, and the unsuccessful attempts to prevent it by staff, the public and the New Zealand Association of Scientists (NZAS). Although challenging to prove, we argue that the dismantling was unnecessary, senseless and counterproductive. The unsuccessful attempts to save an academically and financially viable school exposed a weakness in the current Education and Training Act and demonstrated why New Zealand (NZ) needs an independent entity that could investigate universities, guard the national interests, ensure accountability of tertiary institutions’ administration, and protect the academic freedom of individual academics.

„Traps” of Institutional Capacity of the Ukrainian State: Causes of Emergence and Ways to Overcome

In the article, based on the use of international indices (governance effectiveness, corruption perception, democracy, rule of law, and others), an assessment of the institutional capacity of the Ukrainian state is given, particularly during the Great War. The article also analyzes "capacity traps" as gaps in legislation that undermine the effectiveness of the state governance system, and as a result, devalue the institution of political accountability and deteriorate the state’s institutional capacity. The author also explains, based on sociological surveys regarding trust in state institutions, why the decline in trust towards government bodies (with the exception of the Armed Forces and the President) increases the risks of delegitimizing the government, as this translates into a reluctance of many citizens to fulfill their civic duties, particularly with respect to mobilization, tax payments, etc. The author identifies the inefficiency of the system of checks and balances as the key problem of the institutional capacity of the Ukrainian state, which leads to duplication of powers between branches of government, ineffective functioning of the parliament and government, excessive concentration of power in the hands of the president, and the nullification of the role of the government as the center of executive power. The author thoroughly analyzes the existing in Ukraine "capacity traps" (what has been done for the first time in domestic political science), emphasizes their cumulative negative effect, outlines the negative consequences if they persist, and proposes effective instruments of non-electoral legitimacy of power, which are extremely necessary during wartime. Particular attention is paid to the need to reform Ukraine’s constitutional system to eliminate these institutional traps. Several ways to enhance institutional capacity are outlined, including the self-legitimization of power through information policy under conditions of forced restrictions on rights and freedoms; amending the constitution and legislation to eliminate the "capacity traps"; and the use of non-electoral instruments of legitimacy of power as a temporary measure that can strengthen the state's institutional capacity, but only during the war.

Anti-corruption and Compliance Control Practices for Identifying and Evaluating Corruption Risks

This article explores advanced international empirical practices for identifying and assessing corruption risks in public administration, highlighting the successful measures implemented by various developed nations. While it is impractical to fully replicate these systems, the insights gained from their experiences can inform and enhance domestic anti-corruption legislation. The Republic of Moldova, Slovenia, and South Korea serve as a case study, having made significant strides in combating corruption, as evidenced by their 2023 score of 42 points, 37 points, and 32 points respectively on the Transparency International index. This article examines the methodologies adopted by the aforementioned countries for assessing corruption risks within public administration, emphasizing the importance of public involvement and institutional accountability in mitigating corruption. By analyzing these countries' approaches, the article aims to provide valuable hands-on experience and guidance for other nations, including my country, Uzbekistan, seeking to improve its anti-corruption efforts on the whole in the fast-paced world.

Transparency in action or political fiction? The pre-inquiry phase of the UK COVID-19 Inquiry

AbstractThis article examines how public inquiries come into being through a detailed analysis of the pre-inquiry phase of the UK COVID-19 Inquiry. We focus on two key points of contestation—around the timing of the inquiry and its terms of reference—and suggest that what is at stake during the pre-stage of an inquiry is its ontological and epistemological orientation. Our analysis traces the emergence of two distinct positions during this phase: a grassroots position (conceiving of the inquiry as a response to the experience of collective grief) and an official position (conceiving of the inquiry as a means of learning lessons). Particular attention is given to the latter position and what it reveals about the rhetorical function of transparency in confirming a political commitment to institutional accountability, at the same time as working towards a particular conception of the inquiry as a practical task, expansive in remit, and future oriented.

Professional Advancement Models for Nurse Practitioners and Physician Associates/Assistants: A historical overview and opportunities for future growth.

Professional advancement models (PAM) are paramount in the growth of nurse practitioners (NP) and physician associates/assistants (PA) who seek professional challenges, clinical recognition, job satisfaction, upward mobility, and incentives for retention. Professional advancement models for NPs and PAs were born out of literature on clinical career ladders that date back to the 1970s for the nursing work force. Over time, PAMs have evolved to offer NPs and PAs structured pathways to guide and reward professional growth, education, advocacy, research, and quality improvement (QI). Although the first institutional account of PAM development for NPs and PAs was published in 1998, there has been a recent spike in case reports of PAMs from individual medical centers. This article (1) provides a historical timeline of published data on the development and implementation of PAMs for NPs and PAs, (2) critiques features of existing PAMs, and (3) offers recommendations regarding PAM innovation for more uniform adoption in medical institutions across the country.

Corruption in the Nigerian Public Sector: Causes, Consequences and Sustainable Solutions

Corruption in Nigeria's public sector has long hindered the nation's development, stability, and prosperity. It permeates various facets of governance and society, leading to detrimental consequences, including economic stagnation, social injustice, and the erosion of public trust. Historical factors, such as the legacy of colonial exploitation and successive post-independence governments' mismanagement, have entrenched a culture of corruption. Despite efforts to combat it, including the establishment of anti-corruption agencies like the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), corruption remains pervasive. This study adopts a qualitative research design to explore the complex dynamics of corruption in Nigeria's public sector. Using Albert Bandura's social learning theory as the theoretical framework, and it explores how corrupt behaviors are observed, imitated, and reinforced within the public administration. The research identifies multiple causes of corruption, including institutional weaknesses, economic pressures, and cultural norms, which create an environment conducive to corrupt practices. The consequences of corruption are enormous: It undermines economic growth and development, deters foreign direct investment, exacerbates poverty and inequality, erodes public trust in government, and fuels political unrest and instability. Addressing corruption requires a comprehensive approach involving the strengthening of institutional frameworks, promoting transparency and accountability, improving public sector management, and fostering a culture of ethical leadership. Sustainable solutions to combat corruption include; enhancing the capacities of anti-corruption agencies, to be independent of the executive body, implementing public procurement reforms, ensuring budget transparency, and enforcing stringent anti-corruption measures.

The informational relevance of social accounting for the management of financial institutions. A case study: Banca Transilvania Financial Group

This paper analyzes the relevance of social accounting information for managing financial institutions, using Banca Transilvania Financial Group (BTFG) as a case study. It explores how social accounting data can enhance decision-making processes within these institutions. Social information from BTFG’s annual integrated reports was used to construct a social balance sheet, and financial data was collected to calculate economic value added (EVA) and social value added (SVA). Research question include: Does social accounting represent a lever for substantiating the managerial decision in financial institutions? Results show that SVA is a valuable indicator for financial institution managers, reflecting the institution’s contributions to social well-being, environmental impact, and community support. Policy implications suggest regulatory bodies should mandate the inclusion of social accounting metrics in financial reporting standards to encourage socially responsible practices, enhance transparency, and incentivize institutions achieving high SVA. This paper contributes to the literature by demonstrating the practical application of social accounting in financial institutions and highlighting the importance of SVA as a managerial tool. It aligns with existing research on integrating corporate social responsibility (CSR) metrics into financial decision-making, enhancing the understanding of combining social and economic indicators for comprehensive performance assessment The abstract covers motivation, methodology, results, policy implications, and contributions to the literature.

Implementation of Islamic Inheritance Law: Study of History, Law and Its Principles

The imposition of late payment penalties in Islamic pawnshops at the initial stage of the contract has sparked debate. This study examines the implications of such penalties on the principles of justice, customers, funders, and Islamic financial institutions. Literature study and fatwa review are the basis of the discussion. The results show that fines that are not agreed upon at the beginning of the contract have the potential to cause legal and sharia uncertainty, and open up opportunities for abuse of authority. The negative impact is a decrease in customer trust and tarnishing the reputation of Islamic financial institutions. The proposed solutions are the inclusion of a clear amount of fines in the contract, the involvement of the Sharia Supervisory Board, customer education, and the establishment of industry standards. The application of fair fines can be in the form of tiered fines, adjusted to the customer's ability, and accompanied by alternative fine options. Transparency and accountability of Islamic financial institutions are key to the sustainability of a fair and sharia-compliant Islamic pawnshop system.

Putting People First in Data Quality: Feminist Data Ethics for Open Government Datasets

ABSTRACTOpen government information systems offer great potential for advancing civic life and democracy, but they also reflect and reinforce the biases and systematic inequalities faced by members of socially marginalized groups. We present results from a critical data modeling project that uses a data quality framework to examine open datasets published by police departments in order to understand how data modeling choices shape the social impact of these datasets. Using an arrest record dataset published by the Los Angeles Police Department as a case study, we present we present results detailing the representation of racial data and the presence of children in the dataset. We argue that current data quality frameworks for open government data are insufficient for critical data studies due to an orientation around institutional and computational interests. Incorporating feminist data ethics into data quality analysis provides an approach to data quality that centers people and communities. We propose a definition for data quality of open government datasets based on an ethics of care that centers the needs of vulnerable populations and accountability of institutions toward their communities.

Advancing SDG 16 through political participation on social media: A Comparative Study of Social Capital between South Korea and the United States

The United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal 16 (SDG 16) aims to promote peaceful, inclusive societies and build effective, accountable institutions. Despite the growing influence of online media on political activities in the digital age and the increasing importance of achieving SDG 16 through political participation, there has been a lack of empirical research on this topic. This cross-cultural comparative study investigates the relationships among online communication, social capital, and political participation in South Korea and the United States. Online surveys were conducted in both countries, focusing on people's interest and trust in online communication, types of online social capital (bonding and bridging), and engagement in conventional and unconventional forms of political participation. Our findings underscore the pivotal role of social media as a platform for citizens to voice their political opinions and partake in democratic processes. We discovered a significant correlation between heightened interest and trust in online communication and increased political participation in both countries. This correlation is instrumental in achieving SDG 16.7, which advocates for inclusive and participatory decision-making. This study also highlights the nuanced differences in the relationship between online social capital and political participation. In South Korea, bridging online social capital is associated with unconventional political activities, whereas in the United States, bonding online social capital is linked to these forms of engagement. However, in both countries, participation in presidential elections is associated with bridging online social capital, providing a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics at play. The potential of social media to expand opportunities for citizens to participate in the political process and hold their governments accountable contributes to achieving SDG 16.6, which aims to develop effective, accountable, and transparent institutions. However, the study also serves as a reminder of the challenges posed by online polarization and misinformation. To fully realize the benefits of social media in promoting inclusive and sustainable social development, addressing these issues and fostering healthy online communities are essential.In conclusion, this study underscores the importance of promoting online communication and building robust online communities as key strategies for achieving SDG 16, engaging a wide range of stakeholders in the process of building a more equitable and sustainable future.

Enactivist Distributed Cognition, and the Role of Distributed Social Practices in Social Change

I support much of Maiese and Hanna’s (M&H) account of the ways social institutions “mindshape” people’s cognition (values, meanings, affective framings, and habits of bodily comportment), and of the ways neoliberal individualism can be resisted and progressive social change can be enacted. But the overall approach can be augmented, I argue, if M&H would embrace an enactivist account of socially distributed and collective cognition, and action, in which cognitive systems include but are not limited to individuals. Complementing M&H’s focus on top-down “repressive” forms of power, with also “ideological” forms of power that are distributed throughout social communities and their discursive practices, symbolic resources, and shared meanings would enable M&H to see not just top-down mindshaping by institutions, but also peer-to-peer mindshaping between members of distributed normative social practices. This analysis also entails that diverse institutions are often composed of many differing communities and practices, such that institutions are not wholly destructive and deforming nor wholly constructive and enabling. It also augments their largely top-down account of social change with the kinds of social change enacted through peer-to-peer interactions between members of different communities, whose iterated interactions over time embody competition (differing distributions of repressive and ideological power) between different normative communities with different practices, especially through heterodox communities of resistance, offering liberatory and “enabling” social practices as alternatives to dominant orthodox “deforming” social practices.

Cost accounting and financial planning in healthcare institutions

Financial planning in healthcare institutions is becoming one of the most important areas of improving the management of this sphere today and is associated with the implementation of result-oriented budgeting. This article is devoted to topical issues that reveal the features of cost accounting and financial planning in healthcare institutions. The following methods were used in the study: analysis and synthesis, comparison, logical and systemic approaches. As a result of the study, this article presents information that, unlike many other institutions operating in the field of goods and services, medical institutions provide vital services that directly affect the health and well-being of citizens. Improving the economic efficiency of healthcare institutions is an urgent task today, which can be solved by organizing competent cost accounting. It is concluded that in the context of increasing medical costs and the possibility of unforeseen emergencies, reliable financial planning is of particular importance. The results of the study will be of interest to practicing specialists in the field of accounting of budgetary institutions, as well as the scientific community engaged in research in the field of healthcare. The results reflected in this article can be used in the educational process of higher educational institutions and in the practical work of accounting departments of modern organizations (including healthcare).

Neo-Liberalism’s Shadows: Modern slavery in South African Higher Education

Neoliberal ideology globally prioritises competition and productivity over staff well-being in higher education, leading to exploitative practices and heightened stress among academic faculty, culminating in what can be termed modern academic slavery. This study investigates the contemporary impact of neoliberalism on South African universities, focussing on governance, funding and academic freedom, and how these factors contribute to deteriorating conditions for academic staff and toxic work environments. This research examines academic experiences in a South African urban higher education institution (HEI) utilizing a single-case study approach. It examines their context within institutional and societal trends. Using a single-case ideographic approach in a South African HEI, the study utilises detailed documentation, incident analysis and literature review to understand academic enslavement within the chosen HEI, contextualising the academic’s experiences within these broader institutional and societal trends. The findings reveal four key themes: moral disengagement, corporate malfeasance, exploitative labour practices, and labour coercion, illustrating the widespread exploitation of academic staff. The study advocates for urgent interventions to ensure respectful treatment, foster ethical work environments, and address disparities between administrators and faculty. It calls for autonomy, ethical leadership and a culture of inquiry in HEIs to combat modern academic slavery while acknowledging the need for further action and exploration.Contribution: This study underscores the current impact of neoliberalism on higher education in South Africa, exposing challenges for academic staff and advocating systemic reforms. It emphasises the necessity for future investigations into institutional accountability and strategies to enhance staff well-being in HEIs.

Fostering Responsible Conduct of Research for Early-Stage Investigators: Challenges and Opportunities.

The rise of academic misconduct poses significant challenges to the integrity and credibility of scholarly research. Early-stage investigators (ESIs), particularly those representing marginalized groups, face unique pressures in navigating the "publish or perish" paradigm while establishing their careers. This commentary articulates strategies for cultivating research environments conducive to the responsible conduct of research (RCR) for ESIs. By establishing shared values, planning research meticulously, conducting research collaboratively, and reporting findings transparently, ESIs can foster a culture of prevention and accountability in research. Ultimately, navigating beyond traditional methodologies to support RCR necessitates a fundamental reimagining of academic culture, reconceptualizing productivity to prioritize quality over quantity, and to encompass "invisible" work often shouldered by investigators with marginalized identities. Addressing scientific misconduct challenges requires a whole-system approach, encompassing individual leadership, policy changes, and institutional accountability. By implementing concrete strategies and systemic reforms, academia can reaffirm its commitment to responsible research conduct and safeguard the integrity of scholarly endeavors.