Charting ethical shadows: institutional dynamics for sycophancy as a strategy in public universities

Aydin, E ORCID: 0000-0003-2530-9058 and Rahman, M (2026) Charting ethical shadows: institutional dynamics for sycophancy as a strategy in public universities. The International Journal of Human Resource Management. pp. 1-34. ISSN 0958-5192

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Abstract

This research explores the structural mechanisms that foster sycophantic behaviors among academics in Business Schools at Turkish public universities. It investigates how institutional factors influence academic working conditions and promote the use of sycophantic strategies. Grounded in an institutional theoretical perspective, this study employs semi-structured in-depth qualitative interviews with research assistants, research fellows, and assistant professors. Thematic analysis of the data reveals two key themes: career advancement systems, and access to power and authority. By examining the institutional dimensions of sycophancy, this research enhances our understanding of how context-dependent factors legitimize unethical behaviors within organizations. In terms of theoretical contribution, it challenges traditional notions of legitimacy, and highlights the role of regulatory, normative, and cultural-cognitive dimensions in shaping sycophantic behaviors. Furthermore, this study emphasizes the institutionalization of sycophancy in higher education, illustrating how it has become a survival strategy within the workplace despite its unethical nature.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	1503 Business and Management; 1505 Marketing; 1605 Policy and Administration; Industrial Relations; 3505 Human resources and industrial relations; 3507 Strategy, management and organisational behaviour; 5201 Applied and developmental psychology
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HF Commerce > HF5001 Business L Education > LB Theory and practice of education > LB2300 Higher Education
Divisions:	Liverpool Business School
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Date of acceptance:	6 March 2026
Date of first compliant Open Access:	19 March 2026
Date Deposited:	19 Mar 2026 13:27
Last Modified:	19 Mar 2026 13:27
DOI or ID number:	10.1080/09585192.2026.2643716
URI:	https://researchonline.ljmu.ac.uk/id/eprint/28266

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