Contextualizing Journalism Ethics: A Cross-Cultural Study of Plagiarism and Attribution Between U.S. and Chinese Journalists

• In Event: ICA Plenary Interactive Paper/Poster Session III
  In Interactive Paper Session: Journalism Studies Interactive Poster Session

Abstract

Journalism profession takes no plagiarism as an absolute code of ethics, yet journalists’ beliefs in attribution are rarely context-independent. This study surveyed 1,096 U.S. and Chinese journalists and unveils the circumstances under which attribution might be subject to flexibility. Chinese journalists overall reported a stronger attribution belief than U.S. journalists. Attribution beliefs also vary by career tenure, type of news organization and position held. Respondents were more likely to stick to attribution when they viewed it as a result of personal rather than organizational standards. The influence of the Internet also led to a more flexible attribution belief of U.S. journalists compared to Chinese journalists.

Authors

• Fan Yang, Pennsylvania State University

• Bu Zhong, Pennsylvania State U

• Norman P. Lewis, U of Florida

• Yong Zhou, Renmin U of China