Publication Ethics

1. Introduction

Policy Research Journal (PRJ) is committed to publishing high-quality, original research that contributes to the understanding and improvement of policymaking. We uphold the highest ethical standards in all aspects of our publication process, ensuring the integrity and reliability of the research we publish. This policy outlines the ethical expectations for authors, reviewers, and editors involved in the publication process with PRJ.

2. Author Responsibilities

  • Originality: Authors must ensure their work is original and has not been published elsewhere or submitted for publication simultaneously to another journal.
  • Authorship: All contributors who have made substantial intellectual contributions to the research should be listed as authors. Ghost authorship and plagiarism are strictly prohibited.
  • Data Integrity: Authors must maintain accurate and complete records of their data and research methods. They should be prepared to provide their data upon reasonable request for verification purposes.
  • Transparency: Authors must disclose all potential conflicts of interest that could influence their interpretation of the results. They should also acknowledge all funding sources and institutional affiliations.
  • Ethical Conduct: Authors must conduct their research in accordance with relevant ethical guidelines and regulations. This includes obtaining informed consent from research participants and protecting their privacy.

3. Reviewer Responsibilities

  • Objectivity: Reviewers must provide objective and unbiased feedback on the submitted manuscripts. They should avoid personal attacks or comments that are not relevant to the scientific merit of the work.
  • Confidentiality: Reviewers must treat all submitted manuscripts and related information as confidential. They should not share any information about the manuscript with anyone outside the review process.
  • Expertise: Reviewers should only agree to review manuscripts within their area of expertise. They should be able to provide constructive criticism and suggestions for improvement.
  • Disclosure of Conflicts of Interest: Reviewers must disclose any potential conflicts of interest that could influence their review of the manuscript.

4. Editor Responsibilities

  • Fairness: Editors are responsible for ensuring a fair and objective peer-review process. They should select reviewers based on their expertise and lack of conflicts of interest.
  • Confidentiality: Editors must treat all submitted manuscripts and related information as confidential. They should not share any information about the manuscript with anyone outside the editorial process.
  • Decision-Making: Editors have the final say on whether or not to accept a manuscript for publication. They should base their decision on the scientific merit of the work and the feedback from reviewers.
  • Conflict Resolution: Editors are responsible for resolving any conflicts of interest that arise during the review process. They should take appropriate action to address any concerns about plagiarism or misconduct.
  • Ethical Standards: Editors are responsible for upholding the highest ethical standards in all aspects of the journal's operation. They should be familiar with relevant ethical guidelines and regulations and should ensure that the journal complies with them.