SYSTEMATIZATION OF RESEARCH INTEGRITY BY REGULATORY BODIES AND UNIVERSITIES IN AFRICA: RESEARCH AND PUBLICATION ETHICS

Abstract

Purpose: Research misconduct is a global ethical concern that imparts negatively on scientific processes and expectations. Other related ethical concerns are academic fraud among researchers in academic institutions.  These activities are against the norms of research and academic practice. Some common occurrences in institutions are multiple submission of papers for publication, use of unauthorized assistance or various forms of dishonesty that occur in relation to any academic exercise. Research integrity is a complex multifaceted task that touches on different phases of research. Institutions in Africa barely have policies and structures to uphold research integrity and where they exist, the enforcement mechanisms are not synchronized. Prevention of research misconduct and enforcement of research integrity policies cannot be the responsibility of any single person or institution, it can only be successful if it is a concerted effort. Universities, national bodies and research ethics committees have a major role to play in maintaining research integrity. The purpose of this paper is to explore and develop a systematic approach to enhance research integrity.  The paper examines common research integrity issues and proposes pragmatic approaches for preventing research misconduct.   Methodology: The methodology employed was desktop document analysis of related journal articles, guidelines and institutional websites.   Case studies of misconduct were reviewed to make sense of types of scientific misconduct that have been recorded in Africa. Results: Institutions can customize the institutional model according to identified needs and existing structures. The proposed framework would be successful if the efforts are implemented within a multi-thronged approach that includes mentorship and capacity building at all levels for creation of an ethical research culture that enhances credibility of research and builds public trust.   Contributions to theory, policy and practice:  It is envisaged that the proposed model will improve enforcement of related policies and promote research integrity. A holistic model to streamline prevention of misconduct and nurture a culture of ethical conduct in research is also recommended.