How universities and university people deal with
plagiarism is articulated in universities’ plagiarism
policies. Universities, policies and people are all
located in a bigger context, one which is being
increasingly shaped by global issues. Some global
issues of particular relevance to plagiarism are
associated with the Internet and its attendant values
and practices, Westernisation and notions of
individualism versus collectivism, and contested
constructions of the concept of ‘author’. Within this
dynamic milieu, individual universities attempt to
formalise appropriate policy statements. The policy
of one Australian university is analysed here and
suggestions offered regarding possible directions
for research which seeks to reconcile plagiarism
policy and practice with the global tides buffeting
universities and those who work in them.
