PUBLICATION ETHICS

The Journal of Communication Research (JCR) is committed to maintaining the highest ethical standards in the publication process. We adhere to best practices to ensure the integrity, credibility, and reliability of the academic research published in our journal. Below are the key principles and responsibilities of authors, reviewers, and editors involved in the publication process:

1. Ethical Responsibilities of Authors

  • Authors must submit original work that has not been published elsewhere and is not under consideration for publication in another journal. Plagiarism, including self-plagiarism, is strictly prohibited.
  • All authors listed on the manuscript must have made significant contributions to the research and writing process. Authors should accurately reflect their contributions and ensure that all individuals who contributed substantially are credited.
  • Authors must properly cite all sources of information, including data, ideas, or work by others, to avoid plagiarism. In the case of previously published works, authors must provide clear references.
  • Authors must ensure the accuracy of the data and findings reported in their manuscript. Fabrication or manipulation of data is strictly prohibited.
  • Authors must disclose any potential conflicts of interest that may influence the research or its interpretation.

2. Ethical Responsibilities of Reviewers

  • Reviewers must treat manuscripts under review as confidential. They should not disclose any information about the manuscript or use it for personal gain.
  • Reviews should be based on objective criteria, focusing on the quality and validity of the research. Personal bias or discriminatory remarks should be avoided.
  • Reviewers should complete the review in a timely manner, providing constructive feedback that helps authors improve the manuscript.
  • Reviewers must declare any conflict of interest with respect to the manuscript they are reviewing. If a conflict exists, they should recuse themselves from the review process.

3. Ethical Responsibilities of Editors

  • Editors must make decisions based solely on the quality and scientific merit of the manuscript, free from personal, commercial, or institutional pressure.
  • Editors should treat all manuscripts equally, regardless of the authors’ background or affiliations. Decisions should be made based on objective criteria.
  • Editors must ensure that all manuscripts are treated as confidential during the review and publication process. Any information gained through the editorial process must not be used for personal advantage.
  • Editors are responsible for ensuring that the review, decision, and publication processes are conducted in a timely manner.
  • Editors must have clear procedures in place for handling complaints or appeals related to the publication process. They must ensure that authors’ concerns are addressed fairly and transparently.

4. Ethical Oversight

The journal ensures ethical oversight by adopting a transparent peer-review process and adhering to international publishing standards. In cases of ethical misconduct, including plagiarism, data falsification, or unethical authorship practices, the journal will investigate thoroughly and may take appropriate actions, including retraction of the article or ban from future submissions.