Higher Education and Education

Higher Education and Ethics

Higher Education is a realm of academic life that requires ethical parameters -- a framework by which all members and stakeholders of institutions within this sector voluntarily utilize so as to achieve a common goal. That goal enable leaders in Higher Education to assess the right way forward and the core principles or values that should govern decision-making and various activities within the institutions. Ethical guidelines can be a significant tool of governance towards a better quality of life within the Higher Education realm, therefore it is essential that a substantial understanding of the role that ethical governance plays in Higher Education be achieved. This paper will discuss Higher Education ethical governance and how leaders assure ethical procedures are in place within their institution.

Higher Education Institutional Governance

Institutional governance is very important when it comes to higher education, because it not sets the bar in terms of expectations for stakeholders but also addresses the issue of how universities can better project themselves in order to attract the financial support they require from donors and government grants (Henard, Mitterle, 2015). In fact, "billions of dollars" are at stake that individual universities depend upon, and with "decreasing support from donors and possible future cuts in government spending" institutions are aware of the need to show that they are effectively and efficiently steering the ship with a firm ethical hand on the rudder (Henard, Mitterle, 2015, p. 2). For that reason, institutional governance in Higher Education is now a major policy issue for institutions across the nation.

Beneath the financial aspect of the matter is, however, the heart of the issue -- which is that universities are responsible for providing safe and adequate environments for learning, developing and maturing, where ideas can be exchanged efficiently and where behavior conforms to ethical norms. Defining those norms and promoting them is an imperative in today's culture.

A Framework for Integrating Ethics into Institutions' Decision-Making Processes

A framework that leaders in Higher Education could implement that integrates ethics into the institutions decision-making processes should consist of both "preventive measures and remedies" regarding ethical challenges (Kohler, 2006, p. 481). Moreover, such a framework should also address issues related to how governance is dispensed, how knowledge is pursued, how conflicts can be met with dignity and how "violations of academic equality" (Kohler, 2006, p. 481). It should equally address matters regarding punitive and preventive action and how "cultural integration of governance and ethics" can coincide with risk management aspects of decision-making (Kohler, 2006, p. 481). All of these matters can be developed by engaging in a process of discussion among leaders and stakeholders that will enable debate to bring forward a "living document" that allows for a real, practical and implementable policy to be enacted as opposed to "a set of rule that will gather dust on a shelf" (Council for Industry and Higher Education, 2014, p. 16). To effect these outcomes, leadership is a necessary component along with an ethics committee and communications between these and the public. Training of staff in accordance with the framework can then begin and adherence to the framework addressed throughout.

Essentially, the decision-making process should be informed by an ethical framework that stakeholders agree upon as indispensible to the institution's vision, mission, and academic life. This type of framework serves as the parameters by which all decision-makers within the organization can better act in accordance with the ethical ideals promoted by the university. Monitoring and measuring of outcomes associated with implementation of the framework should be conducted and shortcomings addressed and policy amended as is seen fit -- which ensures that the framework is indeed a "living document" that addresses the changing social atmosphere permeating the university culture.

The framework can best integrate ethics into institutions' decision-making processes by considering the following questions before beginning: 1) How comprehensive will it be? 2) To what extent will individuals be free to make decisions on their own within the framework? 3) How will adherence be ensured? 4) How will review be conducted?

These questions set the stage for the integration and the framework development can proceed with an expression of the institution's mission, which should be "to enable people to develop their capabilities and fulfill their potential, advance knowledge and contribute to society" (Council for Industry and Higher Education, 2014, p. 23). Then the purpose of the framework can be express -- which would be for the framework to provide an embodiment of the values and principles that the university strives to uphold as well as guidance on how staff and stakeholders should address specific issues related to the upholding of these values. Finally, the framework can be implemented by teachers, students and administrators as all seek to support the overall aim of the institution -- and through cultural awareness and adherence to the guidelines, such as those pertaining to academic honesty, consensual relationships, and academic rigor, the reputation of the institution and its stakeholders can be adequately maintained. Foremost, however, is the fact that the framework should allow decision-makers to put the public interest at the forefront of all their decision-making activities, as it is the institution that represents the best of what the public has to offer (Committee of University Chairs, 2015).

Ethical Issues Faced by Higher Education Leaders

Ethical issues faced by leaders of higher education are academic honesty, integrity, affordability, confronting the digital divide and making education accessible by all, and adequately addressing teachers' and students' needs. Professionalism, pedagogy, and safety are all ethical concerns that leaders must face as well. How will education be passed on? What methods will be used that will conform to ethical standards set forth in the curriculum? How will academic integrity be assured? How will campus security be achieved? How will issues of racism, sexism, sexual assault and violence be addressed? Ethical issues faced by higher education leaders include all of these questions and more. Some pertain to student life, activity in the classroom, and activity on and off campus. Some pertain to athletics -- how coaches handle reports of incidents involving players, whether or not abuse issues or properly dealt with, etc. As Davis (2004) observes, ethics issues are wide-ranging and involve every facet of life and activity that concerns university stakeholders.

Impact of Ethics on Areas of Governance