Interpretations (g) and (e)

These two interpretations raise issues of honesty and integrity. Plagiarism (interpretation (g)) is claiming someone else’s work as your own. Interpretation (e) is a false claiming of background or competence. Each violates normal standards of honesty and integrity. It should be noted that interpretation (e) is done knowingly while some incidents of plagiarism are both accidental and incidental. That is, if you obtain a copy of a competitor’s proposal, modify perhaps the cost or price analysis, and submit the proposal as your own, you have knowingly and willfully committed plagiarism (and perhaps fraud and theft as well). However, it is also possible that you might remember a particular paragraph from a proposal or article you read and use it in a proposal, report, or article. While technically plagiarism, in most cases this would be considered accidental or incidental. An interesting dilemma is arriving at proper citing of previous work, is what constitutes common knowledge (basic chemistry, mechanics, etc.) vs. more recent discoveries that require acknowledgement.

Your professional reputation rests on others view of your honesty and integrity. Falsely claiming accomplishments or claiming other’s work as your own will undermine or destroy your reputation. Once your reputation for honesty and integrity is question, it is difficult to restore it.