Conflict of Interest Policy
Maintaining Academic Integrity
JCRELC is committed to upholding the highest standards of academic integrity and transparency. This policy outlines the requirements for disclosing and managing conflicts of interest in the publication process.
The Journal of Creative Research in English Literature and Culture (JCRELC) follows the guidelines established by the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) and the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) for managing conflicts of interest. We require full transparency from all parties involved in the publication process.
1. Definition of Conflict of Interest
A conflict of interest exists when an individual's personal, professional, financial, or other interests could compromise, or appear to compromise, their objectivity in the publication process.
Actual Conflict
A direct conflict exists when there is a current or potential financial, personal, or professional interest that could influence decision-making.
Perceived Conflict
A perceived conflict exists when there is an appearance of a conflict that could lead others to question the objectivity of the individual involved.
Note: Conflicts of interest are not inherently unethical. However, failure to disclose and properly manage them undermines the integrity of the publication process.
2. Types of Conflicts of Interest
Financial Conflicts
- Employment or consultancy relationships
- Stock ownership or investment interests
- Research funding or grants
- Honoraria or speaking fees
- Patent interests or intellectual property
- Gifts or other financial benefits
Non-Financial Conflicts
- Personal or professional relationships
- Academic competition or rivalry
- Collaborative relationships
- Family or personal connections
- Institutional affiliations
- Ideological or political beliefs
Publication Conflicts
- Previous collaboration with authors
- Supervisory or mentoring relationships
- Co-authorship on other publications
- Ongoing research collaboration
- Academic department or institutional ties
- Editorial board membership
Research Conflicts
- Competing research interests
- Data ownership or access issues
- Methodological disagreements
- Previous research disputes
- Institutional research priorities
- Research funding source conflicts
4. Reviewer Disclosure Requirements
Reviewers must disclose any potential conflicts of interest before agreeing to review a manuscript:
Decline if Conflict
Reviewers must decline the invitation if a conflict exists
Disclose Potential Conflict
If uncertain, disclose the potential conflict to the editor
Maintain Objectivity
Ensure objective and impartial review
Reviewer Obligation: Reviewers must not use the review process as an opportunity to promote their own research or disadvantage others. Any personal gain from the review process is strictly prohibited.
5. Editorial Disclosure Requirements
Editors and Editorial Board Members
- Must disclose any conflicts with submitted manuscripts
- Recuse themselves from handling manuscripts with conflicts
- Not use insider information for personal benefit
- Maintain confidentiality of editorial decisions
- Annually update conflict of interest declarations
Handling Conflicts
- Recusal from handling manuscripts by colleagues, students, or co-authors
- Assignment to a different editor
- Transparent disclosure of editorial conflicts
- Documentation of recusal decisions
- Editor-in-Chief has final authority
6. Management Strategies
Disclosure
Full and transparent disclosure of all potential conflicts
Recusal
Stepping away from decisions where a conflict exists
Protection
Safeguarding the integrity of the publication process
Monitoring
Regular review of conflict management effectiveness
Best Practices
- Transparency: Always disclose potential conflicts, even if uncertain
- Objectivity: Maintain focus on research quality and integrity
- Compliance: Follow journal policies and COPE guidelines
- Communication: Discuss any concerns with the editorial office
- Documentation: Keep records of all disclosures
7. Disclosure Form
All authors must complete a conflict of interest disclosure form. The form requires the following information:
| Category | Information Required | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Employment | Current and recent employment relationships | Required |
| Financial Interests | Stock ownership, grants, funding sources | Required |
| Personal Relationships | Relationships with authors, reviewers, editors | Required |
| Collaborations | Previous collaborations with authors | Required |
| Intellectual Property | Patents, copyrights, other IP interests | Required |
8. Consequences of Non-Disclosure
Failure to Disclose
Non-disclosure of conflicts of interest is considered a serious breach of academic integrity and may result in severe consequences.
For Authors
- Manuscript rejection
- Retraction of published articles
- Ban from future submissions
- Notification to institutions
- Public disclosure of breach
For Reviewers
- Removal from reviewer pool
- Notification to institutions
- Public disclosure of breach
- Loss of reviewer privileges
- Potential legal consequences
For Editors
- Removal from editorial position
- Notification to institution
- Public disclosure of breach
- Loss of editorial privileges
- Damage to professional reputation
Additional Actions
- COPE involvement
- Institutional investigations
- Legal action
- Loss of professional credibility
- Impact on future funding and collaborations
COPE Guidelines on Conflicts of Interest
Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE)
JCRELC follows COPE guidelines for managing conflicts of interest:
- All parties must disclose relevant interests
- Editors must manage conflicts transparently
- Reviewers must decline if conflicts exist
- Journals must have clear policies
- Disclosures should be published
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Policies
Questions About Conflicts of Interest?
If you have any questions about conflicts of interest or need guidance on disclosure, please contact our editorial office.
+91-7665235235
Please include "Conflict of Interest Query" in your email subject line for faster response.