Guideline: For Research Journal Editors

The Open Association of Research Society (OARS) guideline for Research Journal Editors aims to provide a comprehensive set of tools for a streamlined research editorial process. These guidelines have been refined based on feedback from Journal Editors and are designed to address complex ethical issues in publishing a research journal.

While adherence is expected, OARS acknowledges that not all proposals may be followed in every situation. However, the guidelines aim to enhance the journal's policy and improve the review, assessment, and decision-making processes.

ASSOCIATION WITH AUTHORS

Research Journals should have a clear procedure for authors to appeal reviewer/editor decisions.
The Editorial Board should accept papers based on their merit, originality, and clarity.
Decisions should not be changed once a submission is accepted unless there is a major issue.
Editors must justify significant deviations from the published peer review procedure.
Journals should have a method for authors to appeal against editor decisions.
Publication of guidelines, including "Dos" and "Don't Dos," should be regularly updated.
Editors should release guidelines outlining benchmarks for enlisting prospective authors.

EXPECTATIONS FROM EDITORS

Editors are responsible for the content published in their Research Journals.
Continuous efforts should be made to improve the quality of the journal.
Strict quality control measures should be in place for all published content.
Editors must be able to communicate their views effectively and without fear.
The reliability of the journal's records should be maintained.
Editors should support innovation and use the latest technology to manage their journals.
Intellectual property and ethical standards should not be compromised for material gain.
Corrections, clarifications, disclaimers, and apologies should be made when necessary.

IDEAL EXPECTATIONS FROM EDITORS

Ensure all published papers are properly reviewed and approved by expert reviewers.
Implement a foolproof system for detecting and correcting errors using technical tools, guidelines, and checklists.
Implement a clear policy to disclose the original source of non-research papers, general articles, and review articles.
Develop a system that rewards genuine researchers/editors and reprimands guest and ghost authors.
Clearly identify non-peer reviewed sections of the journal.
Utilize professional tools to detect plagiarism early.
Pledge impartial assessment of papers submitted by the editorial board.

BEST PRACTICES FOR EDITORS

Respond to authors' queries with appropriate suggestions and resources.
Issue a publication erratum if errors are discovered after publication.
Ensure suitable, knowledgeable, and unbiased reviewers are selected.
Honor authors' justified decisions for not assigning work to specific reviewers.
Consult OARS guidelines in cases of disputes regarding plagiarism.
REGULATIONS AND GUIDELINES FOR JOURNAL EDITORS
Provide clear directions to reviewers, including confidentiality assurances.
Encourage reviewers to identify potential conflicts of interest early.
Encourage reviewers to address ethical issues during the review process.
Equip reviewers with proper tools to reference similar papers.
Recognize peer review activities as part of the academic process.
Maintain detailed records of selected reviewers based on their performance and interests.
Discourage disqualified reviewers and refer to OARS guidelines when in doubt.

RELATIONS WITH EDITORIAL BOARD MEMBERS

Guide editorial board members on updated policies and developments.
Ensure impartial assessment of submissions from editorial board members.
Select experienced editorial board members to ensure journal quality.
Periodically review the incorporation of board members and their responsibilities.

PARTNERSHIPS WITH JOURNAL OWNERS AND PUBLISHERS

Editors should cultivate strong working relationships with journal owners and publishers to ensure that their shared interests and responsibilities are well-aligned and that they can work together effectively to achieve the journal's goals.

Suggestions:

Establishing clear lines of communication with journal owners and publishers to facilitate ongoing dialogue and collaboration.
Developing and regularly reviewing a mutually agreed-upon set of editorial policies and procedures that govern the journal's operations.
Collaborating with journal owners and publishers to identify and pursue opportunities for growth, development, and innovation in the journal's content, processes, and services.
Working with journal owners and publishers to ensure that the journal's financial resources are managed responsibly and transparently, and that the journal operates within its budgetary constraints.
Seeking input and advice from journal owners and publishers on matters related to the journal's strategic direction, legal and ethical issues, and other areas where their expertise and perspective may be valuable.

By fostering strong partnerships with journal owners and publishers, editors can enhance their ability to lead and manage their journals effectively, and ensure that they are well-positioned to adapt and thrive in the ever-evolving landscape of scholarly publishing.

PARTNERSHIPS WITH JOURNAL OWNERS AND PUBLISHERS

Editors should encourage post-publication evaluation and feedback on the articles they publish, and be open to revisiting their decisions in light of new evidence or perspectives. This can contribute to the ongoing development of the journal's content and quality standards.

BEST METHODS SUGGESTED FOR EDITORS SHOULD ALSO INCLUDE

Providing a platform for readers to comment on or discuss published articles.
Encouraging authors to respond to comments and engage in post-publication discussions.
Periodically reviewing the effectiveness of post-publication evaluation processes and making improvements as needed.

Editors should be proactive in providing training and educational opportunities for authors, reviewers, and editorial board members. This can help to ensure that all parties involved in the journal's production are well-equipped to carry out their roles effectively.

BEST METHODS SUGGESTED FOR EDITORS SHOULD ALSO INCLUDE

Offering workshops, webinars, or other educational resources on topics such as research ethics, publication best practices, and effective peer review.
Providing guidance materials and templates for authors and reviewers to assist them in their tasks.
Encouraging editorial board members to participate in relevant training and development opportunities.

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

Editors should strive to create a diverse and inclusive journal environment by ensuring that different perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences are represented in the editorial team, authorship, and peer review processes.

BEST METHODS SUGGESTED FOR EDITORS SHOULD ALSO INCLUDE

Actively seeking to involve underrepresented groups in the journal's activities, such as inviting them to serve on the editorial board, as reviewers, or as authors.
Establishing guidelines and expectations for respectful and inclusive communication throughout the publication process.
Regularly reviewing and reporting on diversity and inclusion metrics to assess progress and identify areas for improvement.

Editors should demonstrate transparency and accountability in all aspects of the journal's operations, including decision-making, policy development, and financial management.

BEST METHODS SUGGESTED FOR EDITORS SHOULD ALSO INCLUDE

  • Clearly documenting and communicating the journal's policies, procedures, and decision-making processes.
  • Providing regular updates on the journal's activities, performance, and financial status to stakeholders such as authors, reviewers, editorial board members, and the wider research community.
  • Addressing and learning from any instances of misconduct, errors, or other issues that may arise in the journal's operations, and implementing appropriate corrective actions as needed.

 

By adhering to these guidelines and best practices, research journal editors can foster a robust, ethical, and high-quality publication environment that serves the needs of their readers, authors, and the broader research community.

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