Exploring three decades of key themes and trends in academic misconduct in higher education institutions: a literature review

Purpose - This study explores key themes and changes in the perception of students' academic misconduct over the last three decades. It also aims to identify underlying causes and propose strategies to mitigate academic honesty breaches in higher education. Design/methodology/approach - A systematic review was conducted following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Themes were derived from 69 studies published between 1988 and 2024 and were sourced from Scopus and Web of Science databases. The methodology included a systematic database search, the use of targeted search terms and quality-based inclusion criteria. Findings - Academic misconduct is shaped by various factors: cultural, institutional, psychological, social, economic, individual, leadership and political. Cultural sensitivity training, community programs and mentorship can address cultural factors. Institutional transparency, clear policies and dedicated integrity offices improve enforcement. Psychological and social challenges can be mitigated through counseling, peer support and fostering academic well-being. Financial aid, equitable resource access and workload management tackle economic and individual pressures. Leadership commitment, collaborative governance and policy advocacy address leadership and political influences. Additionally, strategies like detection tools, digital literacy programs and ethical AI use are essential to combat technology misuse in higher education. Research limitations/implications - This research enriches existing literature by providing empirical insights into academic misconduct in higher education. Originality/value - By identifying multi-faceted causes and solutions, this study contributes to strengthening academic integrity among students.