Mapping Corruption in Higher Education: A Bibliometric Analysis of Global Research Trends

Abstract

Researchers conducted a bibliometric analysis of 279 papers published between 1977 and 2024, focusing on corruption in higher education, as documented in the Scopus database. This study tracks the inception and evolution of corruption-related research within academic institutions, revealing a gradual increase in scholarly attention to this issue over time. Utilising Bibliomagika© and visualised through VOSviewer, the analysis highlights growth patterns, main topics, prolific authors and research networks in the field. The findings indicate a significant shift in the focus on governance, financial impropriety, and ethical dilemmas in higher education, reflecting a global trend towards greater transparency and accountability. The analysis outlines key research themes, methodologies, and geographic regions, documenting their evolution and providing an overview of the field's development. This study also identifies critical knowledge gaps and suggests future research directions to enhance understanding of fraud in higher education, informing policy and reform initiatives. These insights are important for researchers, policymakers, and educators addressing corruption and promoting academic integrity.