Get the root of research misconduct: a systematic review of its cultural factors

Abstract

Introduction. Culture significantly shapes scientists’ perceptions of research misconduct (RM) since RM can differ from culture to culture. Yet the absence of a comprehensive understanding of cultural factors affecting RM often results in the oversight of cultural influences when implementing RM-preventing measures.

Method. This study adopted a systematic review approach to identify specific cultural factors of RM and conceptualize their influencing relationships with RM.

Analysis. Guided by cultural dimension theory, a total of 55 articles were analysed through thematic analysis.

Results. Five primary cultural factors emerged: strong authority hierarchy, collectivist culture, self-interested culture, gender roles, and low uncertainty tolerance. These cultural factors, serving as common origins of other typologies of RM factors, were found to indirectly influence RM by interacting with other factors.

Conclusions. This review contributes to the theoretical expansion of knowledge on the cultural factors of RM and a conceptual model to understand their relationships with RM. The findings can provide useful implications for developing effective and targeted strategies to mitigate the negative effect of cultural factors on RM.