Faculty members’ experience of student ethical problems: A qualitative research with a phenomenological approach

Abstract

Introduction: One of challenges that universities faces with it is student ethical problems. Students’ unethical behaviors create a sort of weakness of moral commitment and irresponsibility. The purpose of this study is to explore the student ethics problems experienced by faculty members in Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences’. Methods: In this study we used phenomenological approach that emphasizes on the perspectives held by Mandelbaum (1969). All faculty members of University were the participants of the present research paper. The method of choice for gathering the required data was purposive sampling with deep, face to face and semi-structured interview carried out individually. Qualitative data analysis method used herein was the ethical phenomenology proposed by Mandelbaum (17). Results: After interviewing 20 professors from medicine, nursing and midwifery, paramedicine, Public Health, dentistry and pharmacy schools, the information reached to a state of saturation. 55% of the professors were men and 45% were women. After analyzing the interviews, finally three themes and nine categories were obtained. The resulting themes were named respectively value change, deviation and management challenges. Conclusions: Paying attention to all three aspects of ethics and modifying the factors affecting the development of these subjects in students can lead to ethical development in educational settings. Given the serious challenges in the educational environment of students, the relevant institutions should be try to avoid development of such challenges.