Unethical Use of Information Technology in Higher Educational Institutions: A Case Study of a Faith-Based University in Ghana

Onyina, Paul Adjei; Afedzie, Richard

doi:10.30476/ijvlms.2023.98574.1222

Unethical Use of Information Technology in Higher Educational Institutions: A Case Study of a Faith-Based University in Ghana

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Paul Adjei Onyina

Richard Afedzie

Pentecost University, Kaneshie, Accra, Ghana

10.30476/ijvlms.2023.98574.1222

Abstract

Background: The unethical use of information technology has gained widespread attention because of the negative connotation often associated with it. The choice of a Faith-based higher-level institution was based on the moral values and strict religious code of conduct inscribed in the university's culture. This study examined the unethical use of information technology among students in a Faith-based higher educational institution in Ghana.
Methods: The primary data used for analysis in this case study was gathered from June to July 2021 based on cross-sectional data to compare the perspectives of the gender, age groups, and economic levels of various students in the university. The research involved a total of 2,730 students. An online structured questionnaire was made available for those students willing to participate in the study, allowing them to fill it out and submit it digitally. A total of 574 students answered the closed-ended online questionnaire for data analysis. Gender and educational levels were used to assess the primary reasons for students' unethical use of information technology. SPSS software version 21 was used for data analysis.
Results: The study included 239 male participants (42.5%) and 324 female participants (57.5%). One of the factors contributing to unethical behavior was the easier access to information technology, which enabled the students to engage in inappropriate activities, with a mean score of 3.11 and a standard deviation of 1.154. Additionally, students who received financial support were less likely to rely on IT for academic success, reflected in a mean score of 3.00 and a standard deviation of 1.169. Furthermore, students who were both working and studying simultaneously had limited time for their studies and resorted to unethical use of IT, resulting in a mean score of 3.26 and a standard deviation of 1.050.
Conclusion: This study highlights the unethical use of information technology in a faith-based higher education institution, where students found easy access to online resources due to insufficient monitoring. The availability of academic service providers offering paid writing services further undermines institutional credibility. To address these issues, the study advocates for implementing stronger ethical standards, regular monitoring, and educational seminars to curb unethical practices and restore academic integrity in Sub-Saharan African institutions.

Keywords

Education

Distance

Technology

Unethical

Plagiarism

Higher Educational Institutions

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