Graduate Program

College Student Affairs

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Semester of Degree Completion

2018

Thesis Director

Jon K. Coleman

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between violations of the student conduct code and the perception of peer accountability within social Greek organizations. The researcher hypothesized that members of Greek organizations would report high perceptions of peer accountability within their organizations, and because of that there would be an effect on violations of the student conduct code. A quantitative study was conducted, surveying the entire Greek population at a mid-sized, Midwestern, 4-year, public institution. A Likert scale was used to measure questions about perceived peer accountability within organizations, students also provided demographics and self-reported violations of the student conduct code. Out of 750 surveys sent out, the researcher received a total of 75 responses, with 57 (68.3% female and 31.7% male) responses being complete and usable for the study. The study found overwhelmingly that there was a perceived factor of peer accountability within organizations with five out of nine questions scoring higher than a 4.40 out of 5.00, three of which were a 4.50 or higher out of 5.00. The results also suggested that there was a difference between male and female participants, with men reporting higher scores of peer accountability in terms of holding others in their chapter accountable. The study also found that attending a student conduct code meeting resulted in a heightened perception of peer accountability amongst members and their organization, providing that the student conduct process successfully enforces accountability of oneself and others in their organizations.

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