Ethics and Malpractice

The publication of Journal of Social Transformation and Community Development (JSTCD) involves conscientious, systematic, and comprehensive processes carried out by the publisher and editors. These processes must be managed efficiently and professionally to ensure the dissemination of high-quality scholarly work. To maintain high ethical standards in academic publishing, JSTCD works closely with editors, authors, and peer reviewers at every stage of the publication process.

The publication ethics of JSTCD are guided by the principles and best practices established by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).

Ethical Guidelines for Journal Publication

The publication of articles in a peer-reviewed journal such as JSTCD is a fundamental contribution to the development of reliable and respected knowledge in the field of social sciences. Published articles reflect the quality of scholarly work produced by authors and supported by their institutions. Therefore, ethical standards are required from all parties involved in the publication process, including authors, editors, reviewers, publishers, and affiliated institutions.

The publisher of JSTCD takes responsibility for safeguarding all stages of the publication process and ensures that editorial decisions are not influenced by commercial interests, advertising, or other external factors. The Editorial Board supports ethical communication and cooperation with other journals or publishers when necessary.

Allegations of Research Misconduct

Research misconduct includes, but is not limited to, plagiarism, fabrication or falsification of data, citation manipulation, and unethical research or publication practices. Editors are responsible for maintaining the integrity and accuracy of the academic record when misconduct is suspected or identified.

In cases of alleged misconduct, JSTCD follows COPE procedures to ensure fair, transparent, and objective investigation. Manuscripts found to involve misconduct will be rejected. If misconduct is identified after publication, appropriate actions will be taken, including issuing corrections or retractions linked to the original article.

The investigation process includes verification of allegations, assessment of potential conflicts of interest, communication with the corresponding author, and, if necessary, consultation with experts. Institutions affiliated with the authors are expected to conduct thorough investigations when required.

Publication Decisions

The editor of JSTCD is responsible for deciding which submitted manuscripts are accepted for publication. Decisions are based on the academic merit, originality, clarity, and relevance of the manuscript to the journal’s focus and scope. Editors may consult reviewers or editorial board members and are guided by journal policies and applicable legal requirements.

Fair Play

Editors evaluate manuscripts solely on their academic content without discrimination based on race, gender, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, ethnicity, nationality, or political views of the authors.

Confidentiality

Editors and editorial staff must maintain confidentiality of submitted manuscripts and must not disclose information to anyone other than the corresponding author, reviewers, editorial advisors, and the publisher, as appropriate.

Disclosure and Conflicts of Interest

Editors must not use unpublished materials from submitted manuscripts for personal research without the written consent of the author. Any potential conflicts of interest must be disclosed and managed transparently.

Duties of Reviewers

Contribution to Editorial Decisions

Peer reviewers assist editors in making publication decisions and provide constructive feedback to improve manuscript quality.

Promptness

Reviewers who feel unqualified or unable to complete the review in a timely manner should notify the editor and decline the review.

Confidentiality

Manuscripts under review must be treated as confidential documents and not shared or discussed without authorization.

Objectivity

Reviews must be conducted objectively and professionally. Personal criticism of authors is unacceptable.

Acknowledgement of Sources

Reviewers should identify relevant published work not cited by the authors and notify editors of any potential overlap or similarity with other works.

Disclosure and Conflict of Interest

Reviewers must not use information obtained through peer review for personal benefit and should decline reviewing manuscripts where conflicts of interest exist.

Duties of Authors

Reporting Standards

Authors must present accurate and honest accounts of their research, including clear methodologies and valid interpretations. Fraudulent or misleading statements are unethical.

Originality and Plagiarism

Authors must ensure originality of their work and properly cite or quote sources used.

Multiple or Redundant Publication

Submitting the same manuscript to more than one journal or publishing substantially similar content elsewhere is unethical.

Authorship

Authorship should be limited to individuals who have made significant scholarly contributions. All co-authors must approve the final manuscript before submission.

Disclosure and Conflicts of Interest

Authors must disclose any financial or non-financial conflicts of interest and acknowledge funding sources.

Fundamental Errors

Authors are obligated to notify the editor promptly if significant errors are discovered in published work and cooperate in issuing corrections or retractions.