Abstract:

In the academic context, ethics assume particular importance when carrying out research that leads to real and solid advances in knowledge: ethical behaviours, however, are not solely determined by individuals but are affected by reference contexts, and circumstances that, in academia, are increasingly complex, changeable, and particularly demanding.

It is therefore important to ascertain if there is a relationship between:
• Stress levels experienced by faculty;
• Perceptions regarding the commission of unethical behaviours;
• Assessments of the gravity of unethical behaviours;
• The manifestation of opposition to unethical behaviours.

Furthermore, it would appear to be particularly important to try to figure out whether high stress, over a period of time (i.e. during the course of a career), can attenuate the performance of lecturers and researchers in their jobs, such that it may result in low morale.
The study presented herein was conducted with the collaboration of four departments of the University of Siena. 70 academics completed an online questionnaire to investigate
(1) stress-inducing organizational factors (HSE),
(2) respondents’ perceptions of frequency and severity of certain categories of unethical behaviour and
(3) respondents’ willingness to show their opposition to these same behaviours.

The results demonstrate an adequate state of well-being with reference to certain factors, such as respondents’ feelings of direct control over their work. However, this does not exclude the occurrence of conditions that may favor stress. Indeed, the "lack of proper support from superiors and colleagues" and the "clear definition of [their] commitments" were clearly cited as sources of problem stress, especially for lecturers over the age of 55.

The results of the analysis of unethical behaviours indicate a discord between the perception of the frequency of unethical behaviours, the assessment of their gravity and the individual propensity to manifest opposition to them. And this, once again, seems to be particularly relevant for older faculty.

The results further point to a relationship between stress conditions and unethical behaviours. More specifically, it has been highlighted how some stress factors can correlate with the evaluation of the frequency of occurrence of unethical behaviours: the more stressful the working conditions, the higher the perception that unethical behaviours are committed by others. This relationship does not seem to relate to judgments of gravity in that only in one case were they considered less serious under stress conditions. And yet, once again with regard to lecturers over 55, stress seems to have effects on moral behaviour, that is, decreasing the propensity to manifest opposition.

In academic terms, therefore, stress seems to have an impact on the perceptions of unethical behaviour and the clear expression of personal opposition. These consequences seem increasingly evident with the advancement of the lecturer’s age.

Keywords:

Sress, perception of unethical behaviour, academia, age.