So why does plagiarism matter?
Undoubtedly, all cultures have value to share with the rest of the world, including in the culturally informed world of writing. As Lewis notes (seen in Figure 4), there is a balance globally in which each culture provides something unique that another culture does not have or is not as strong with. If each culture has value, then why should a member of one culture participate according to the rules of a different culture?
The answer is: respect. No matter which of the three cultural types, all cultures value being respected. If you intend to participate as a writer in a culture different than your own, you should expect to respect the culture you are choosing to write for. As a student enrolling in a university, you enter into a contract with that university to abide by its culture. Furthermore, high quality writers know their audience and specifically craft their writing for the person reading their document.
In the Western academic world, plagiarism is considered an academic crime because it violates the type (linear-active), information usage (data-oriented), and trust (high-trust society) of the culture. Plagiarism is indirect in citing evidence-based sources, fails to reference the data used, and does not credit the institution or person who created the source, thereby, violating cultural standards.
Figure 4. Interdependencies and unique contributions of each cultural type (Lewis, 2006).
Avoiding plagiarism: when writing in a western academic culture, cite your sources to show respect to the institution in which you are participating as a student and to be respected within your field and academia as a researcher.
Aside from moral respect and obligations, there are also long-lasting consequences for plagiarism. Because plagiarism is so tied into cultural values, it is taken seriously and punished accordingly. For example, here are the potential punishments for being caught plagiarizing at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology:
Potential disciplinary outcomes for academic integrity violations at TCSPP include, but are not limited to, requirement of an Academic Development Plan, disciplinary action, and/or dismissal from TCSPP. Visit The Chicago School Academic Catalog and Student Handbook for full TCSPP policy on plagiarism and academic integrity.