Research Article

Perception of Organizational Sycophancy in Universities: A Research on Academicians

Volume: 26 Number: 2 December 19, 2025
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Perception of Organizational Sycophancy in Universities: A Research on Academicians

Abstract

Today, it is seen that unethical behaviors are diversifying and increasing in universities, which are accepted as value-based organizations. In this context, sycophancy, which is an unethical behavior in universities where the hierarchical structure is evident, emerges as an important issue in academic circles. The aim of this study is to examine the perception of organizational sycophancy in universities. In the study, 36 academicians were interviewed within the scope of qualitative research method. The answers given by the academics were processed in depth within the scope of the themes determined in accordance with the content analysis technique. The results of the study showed that sycophantic behavior is quite common in universities, that it leads to various negative consequences in the academic environment, and that there are many factors that lead to sycophantic behavior. In conclusion, organizational sycophancy is a phenomenon intertwined with academic success, cooperation and organizational culture in universities. The role of sycophantic behaviors, the attitudes of academics towards managers and the place of these attitudes in organizational structures is a topic that requires more research in academic circles. In this context, studies on sycophancy in universities provide important information for academic success and improvement of the work environment.

Keywords

Ethical Statement

Approval was obtained from Ondokuz Mayıs University Social and Human Sciences Research Ethics Committee (Decision Date: February 28, 2025, Decision No: 2025-16).

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Business Administration

Journal Section

Research Article

Early Pub Date

December 19, 2025

Publication Date

December 19, 2025

Submission Date

April 8, 2025

Acceptance Date

September 12, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 26 Number: 2

APA
Arıbaş, A. N., Esmer, Y., & Yüksel, M. (2026). Perception of Organizational Sycophancy in Universities: A Research on Academicians. Ege Academic Review, 26(2), 189-206. https://doi.org/10.21121/eab.20260203
AMA
1.Arıbaş AN, Esmer Y, Yüksel M. Perception of Organizational Sycophancy in Universities: A Research on Academicians. ear. 2026;26(2):189-206. doi:10.21121/eab.20260203
Chicago
Arıbaş, Ayşe Nihan, Yusuf Esmer, and Muhammet Yüksel. 2026. “Perception of Organizational Sycophancy in Universities: A Research on Academicians”. Ege Academic Review 26 (2): 189-206. https://doi.org/10.21121/eab.20260203.
EndNote
Arıbaş AN, Esmer Y, Yüksel M (April 1, 2026) Perception of Organizational Sycophancy in Universities: A Research on Academicians. Ege Academic Review 26 2 189–206.
IEEE
[1]A. N. Arıbaş, Y. Esmer, and M. Yüksel, “Perception of Organizational Sycophancy in Universities: A Research on Academicians”, ear, vol. 26, no. 2, pp. 189–206, Apr. 2026, doi: 10.21121/eab.20260203.
ISNAD
Arıbaş, Ayşe Nihan - Esmer, Yusuf - Yüksel, Muhammet. “Perception of Organizational Sycophancy in Universities: A Research on Academicians”. Ege Academic Review 26/2 (April 1, 2026): 189-206. https://doi.org/10.21121/eab.20260203.
JAMA
1.Arıbaş AN, Esmer Y, Yüksel M. Perception of Organizational Sycophancy in Universities: A Research on Academicians. ear. 2026;26:189–206.
MLA
Arıbaş, Ayşe Nihan, et al. “Perception of Organizational Sycophancy in Universities: A Research on Academicians”. Ege Academic Review, vol. 26, no. 2, Apr. 2026, pp. 189-06, doi:10.21121/eab.20260203.
Vancouver
1.Ayşe Nihan Arıbaş, Yusuf Esmer, Muhammet Yüksel. Perception of Organizational Sycophancy in Universities: A Research on Academicians. ear. 2026 Apr. 1;26(2):189-206. doi:10.21121/eab.20260203