A Tangled WebProblem

Still prevailing in society, the commonness of plagiarism is so widespread that it no longer seems to be a crime. Education system is very badly affected by it which is of major concern. It directly puts a question mark on our ethical values, do we really have it in ourselves?

Decision areas

Just after discovering the act of plagiarism, Ms. Hogan should have reported it to the IIO. Consecutively, this should have been followed by her applying for a new mentor to help her for the research. Finally, an ethical system should have been setup for practicing – how to curb plagiarism.

Objective

Upholding ethical values and taking action against one who doesn’t comply. Creating awareness of ethical values and the fear of not abiding with the rules, these two steps simultaneously taken would work for the organization.

Criteria

Reporting the right thing at the right time would help to curb plagiarism. Had Ms. Hogan reported about the deed, the scenario would have been completely different. There should be a checklist of many legal aspects i.e copyright, publication, privacy etc. Keeping an anti-plagiarism software in organization would help to keep a check on it and in verifying and taking actions very quickly. There should be a penalty shot for the accused. As upward communication was not prevalent the deed of plagiarism went unreported.

Generate options

Informing the original author about plagiarism would help in taking the necessary steps before the item is published. Setting up an ethical teaching program in organization would help in implementing moral values and keep away from plagiarism. Presence of a legal cell in organization would take care of the reported as well as unreported matters. Strengthening the IIO will make his/her position strong in the organization.

Evaluate options

Setting up an ethical and legal cell in organization would help to curb plagiarism. Ethical cell will create a sense of awareness which would stop people from involving in such deeds. The legal cell will create a sense of fear and would take the necessary steps quickly against the reported matters. Informing the original author will prevent the publishing of plagiarised material.

Recommended decision

Starting an ethical teaching program in organization will result in increase in the moral values of individual. The program would make them understand the values of originality and cons of plagiarism. It would be like a self-regulatory method to keep a check on plagiarism.

Action plan

Establishing an ethical and legal cell followed by an anti-plagiarism software would be prior of everything. A time of three months could be allotted to completely eradicate plagiarism from the organization.

Contingency plan

Improving the upward communication is also a major concern. Organizing more and more of informal meetings between the higher and lower authority would strengthen it.