Publication Ethics

Gobeshona Publisher is committed to upholding the highest standards of publication ethics and integrity. As a follower of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE), we adhere to COPE's guidelines and best practices to ensure the ethical conduct of our editorial processes and the integrity of our publications.

Author Responsibilities

Authors play a critical role in ensuring the integrity and quality of scholarly publications. Here's a detailed explanation of their responsibilities:

  1. Originality and Plagiarism: Authors must ensure that their research is original and has not been previously published or submitted elsewhere. Plagiarism, whether intentional or unintentional, undermines the credibility of research and is strictly prohibited.

  2. Authorship and Acknowledgments: Authorship should be based on substantial contributions to the conception, design, execution, or interpretation of the research study. All individuals who meet these criteria should be listed as authors, while others who have contributed in other ways should be acknowledged appropriately.

  3. Data Integrity: Authors are responsible for the accuracy and integrity of the data presented in their manuscripts. This includes ensuring the accuracy of data collection methods, analyses, and reporting. Any instances of data fabrication or manipulation are unacceptable and can result in severe consequences.

  4. Ethical Approval: Research involving human subjects or animals must receive ethical approval from relevant institutional review boards or ethics committees. Authors should provide evidence of ethical approval and informed consent procedures, ensuring that research is conducted in accordance with ethical standards and guidelines.

  5. Conflict of Interest: Authors must disclose any potential conflicts of interest that could influence the interpretation or presentation of their research findings. This includes financial conflicts, affiliations with organizations that may have a vested interest in the research outcome, or personal relationships that could bias the results.

Reviewer Responsibilities

Peer review is a cornerstone of scholarly publishing, and reviewers play a crucial role in ensuring the quality and validity of published research. Here are their key responsibilities:

  1. Confidentiality: Reviewers must maintain the confidentiality of all materials provided for review, including manuscripts and supplementary files. Reviewers should not discuss the content of manuscripts with anyone outside of the editorial process without permission from the editor.

  2. Objectivity: Reviewers should evaluate manuscripts objectively, focusing on the scientific validity, clarity, and significance of the research. Personal biases or conflicts of interest should not influence the review process.

  3. Timeliness: Reviewers should complete their reviews in a timely manner, adhering to the deadlines provided by the editor. If reviewers are unable to meet the deadline or have conflicts of interest, they should notify the editor promptly.

  4. Conflict of Interest: Reviewers should disclose any potential conflicts of interest that could bias their evaluation of the manuscript. If a reviewer feels that they cannot provide an unbiased review due to a conflict of interest, they should decline the invitation to review.

  5. Ethical Concerns: Reviewers should alert the editor to any ethical concerns or potential instances of misconduct identified during the review process. This includes plagiarism, data fabrication, unethical research practices, or breaches of research integrity.

Editorial Responsibilities

Editors oversee the peer review process and make decisions regarding the publication of manuscripts. Here are their key responsibilities:

  1. Confidentiality: Editors must ensure the confidentiality of all submitted manuscripts and reviewer comments. They should not disclose any information about the manuscript or its authors without permission.

  2. Impartiality: Editors should evaluate manuscripts based on their scientific merit, regardless of the authors' identity, affiliation, or other personal factors. Manuscripts should be judged solely on the quality of the research and its contribution to the field.

  3. Conflict of Interest: Editors should recuse themselves from handling manuscripts in which they have a conflict of interest. If an editor has a personal or professional relationship with the authors, they should appoint an alternative editor to oversee the review process.

  4. Transparency: Editors should provide clear and transparent communication throughout the editorial process, keeping authors informed of any decisions or concerns regarding their manuscripts. This includes providing constructive feedback and guidance to authors to help improve the quality of their work.

  5. Timeliness: Editors should strive to expedite the peer review process and provide prompt decisions on manuscript submissions. Delays in the review process can be frustrating for authors and can impact the timely dissemination of research findings.

Publisher Responsibilities

Publishers are responsible for ensuring the integrity and quality of the published record. Here are their key responsibilities:

  1. Integrity: Publishers must uphold the integrity of the academic record and take appropriate measures to address any instances of misconduct or unethical behavior. This includes investigating allegations of misconduct and taking corrective action if necessary, such as issuing corrections or retractions.

  2. Access and Preservation: Publishers should ensure that their publications are openly accessible to all readers, regardless of geographic location or institutional affiliation. Open access publishing helps to democratize access to knowledge and promotes the dissemination of research findings to a global audience.

  3. Correction and Retraction: Publishers should take prompt action to correct errors or inaccuracies in published works. This may include issuing corrections, retractions, or expressions of concern if significant errors or ethical issues are identified after publication.

  4. Compliance: Publishers must comply with all relevant laws, regulations, and ethical standards governing academic publishing. This includes adhering to copyright laws, data protection regulations, and industry best practices for ethical publishing.

  5. Continuous Improvement: Publishers should continuously evaluate and improve their publication practices and procedures in accordance with evolving standards and best practices in the field. This includes adopting new technologies and innovations to enhance the dissemination and accessibility of research.

This detailed explanation of each section provides a comprehensive overview of the ethical responsibilities of authors, reviewers, editors, and publishers in scholarly publishing, in alignment with COPE's guidelines. These guidelines serve to promote transparency, integrity, and trustworthiness in the publication process, ultimately contributing to the advancement of knowledge and research.