Corruption in higher education

Abstract

This dissertation project is concerned with corruption in higher education as a newly emerging topic in the field of education research. In this study, I defined corruption in higher education and developed a conceptual ground for further methodological developments and empirical research focused on different aspects of corruption in higher education and the development of measurements and indicators of its prevalence in higher education. Based on the analysis of media reports, legal cases, and other records, I compared corruption in higher education sectors in the Russian Federation and the United States of America, identified differences, and predicted future possible partial convergence in forms of corruption. I disclosed positive role of the state in developing and sustaining corruption in higher education. I identified three major organizational structures with corruption, including the vertical structure, the horizontal structure, and the vertical hierarchy. Finally, I presented cellular automation as a new methodology to study misconduct in large educational organizations, and used simulation to model behavior of educators, including factors that influence their decision-making.