Publication Ethics and Malpractice Statement

We strongly believe that we have ethical, responsible, and honest publishing practices at the Journal of Human Context Studies and Social-Cultural Influences (JHCSCI). We would like to make sure that all research we produce would be of integrity, respect towards those who contribute it, and reliability in scholarly communication. This is what is said to be the ethical principles guiding authors, reviewers and editors in the process of publishing.

Expectations for Authors

In submitting your work to JHCSCI, you are supposed to abide by the following:

  • Originality: Your work should be your work and it should not be published or under review elsewhere.
  • Honest Reporting: Results, information and interpretations are to be told honestly- not falsely, fabricated or manipulated.
  • Attribution Loyalty: The materials used in your research, the ideas and contributions used in your work should be cited and attributed properly.
  • Authorship: Only persons who have significantly contributed to intellectual work should be included in the list of authors.
  • Disclosure: all possible conflicts of interest, funding, or attachments that can affect your work should be disclosed.
  • Ethical Compliance: Research on human subjects or sensitive information should be conducted in accordance with ethical principles and must contain any warrant that was given.

When these expectations are not fulfilled, the manuscripts can be rejected, revised, and withdrawn accordingly based on the best ethical practices.

Responsibilities of Reviewers

The integrity and reputation of JHCSCI are maintained in large part by reviewers. We urge reviewers to:

  • Give Unbiased and Fair Feedback: Evaluate manuscripts on academic merit.
  • Honor Confidentiality: Do not disclose work that has been submitted or commentaries.
  • Disclose Conflicts: Be open with the editor and state whether you have some conflict of interest that may influence your review.
  • Provide Constructive Guidance: Giving helpful and constructive feedback of the work to authors.

Those reviewers who fail to address these principles can be taken off the reviewer pool.

Editorial Conduct

JHCSCI editors are charged with the responsibility of:

  • Unbiased Decisions: Reviewing manuscripts on the basis of quality, relevance and knowledge addition- not basing them on personal or business interests.
  • Confidentiality: The matter of ensuring the identity and material of authors and reviewers.
  • Response to Ethical Problems: Being prompt and just in case questions of improper conduct are noted and in a transparent manner regarding the consequences of such action.

Handling Misconduct

Provided that there are possible suspicions regarding research misconduct, i. e. plagiarism, duplication of publication or unethical conduct, the journal will:

  • Research on the issue.
  • The consultation with authors and in some cases with their institutions.
  • Publish the work correctly or retract it when necessary.
  • Act to avert problems in the future.

Such measures are useful in ensuring that the academic record is credible and that the research published can be trusted.

At JHCSCI, all that we do is based upon publication ethics. We feel that high ethical principles contribute to establishing a respectful, credible and a lively scholarly community wherein authors, reviewers and readers will be able to interact in a confident and collaborative approach.