The International Journal of Law and Business Studies (IJLBS) follows internationally accepted standards of academic publishing and strictly adheres to the guidelines prescribed by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE). The journal is committed to ensuring that all published research reflects the highest levels of honesty, transparency, integrity, and academic responsibility.

The objective of IJLBS is to promote ethical research and publication practices that contribute meaningfully to the advancement of law, business, management, economics, and allied disciplines, while maintaining the highest professional and scholarly standards. This policy outlines the ethical responsibilities of authors, reviewers, editors, and the publisher.

Ethical Responsibilities of Authors

1. Originality and Plagiarism
   Authors must submit only original and unpublished work. Any use of previously published material must be properly cited and acknowledged. Plagiarism, duplicate submission, redundant publication, or self-plagiarism is considered unethical and unacceptable. Manuscripts found to violate these principles will be rejected or retracted, and appropriate action will be taken.
2. Accuracy and Integrity of Research
   Authors are responsible for presenting their research findings truthfully and accurately. Fabrication, falsification, or manipulation of data is strictly prohibited. Sufficient methodological details and evidence must be provided to allow verification and replication of the study.
3. Authorship and Contribution
   Authorship should be limited to individuals who have made significant scholarly contributions to the conception, design, execution, or interpretation of the research. All listed authors must approve the final version of the manuscript. The corresponding author is responsible for ensuring proper acknowledgment of all contributors.
4. Disclosure of Conflicts of Interest
   Authors must disclose any financial, institutional, or personal relationships that could influence the research outcomes or interpretation. Transparency in disclosure enhances the credibility of the publication process.
5. Acknowledgment of Sources and Support
   Authors must appropriately acknowledge all sources of data, ideas, funding, and institutional or financial support. Proper citations must be included wherever applicable.

Ethical Responsibilities of Reviewers

1. Confidentiality
   Reviewers must treat all submitted manuscripts as confidential documents. Information obtained during the review process must not be used for personal advantage or shared with others.
2. Objectivity and Constructive Feedback
   Reviews should be conducted objectively and professionally. Reviewers are expected to provide constructive, clear, and unbiased feedback aimed at improving the quality of the manuscript.
3. Timeliness
   Reviewers should complete reviews within the stipulated timeframe. Prompt and timely reviews contribute to an efficient editorial process.
4. Conflict of Interest
   Reviewers must disclose any conflicts of interest that could affect their judgment and should decline to review manuscripts where such conflicts exist.

Ethical Responsibilities of Editors

1. Fair and Impartial Decision-Making
   Editors evaluate manuscripts solely on academic merit, originality, relevance, and quality, without discrimination based on race, gender, religion, nationality, institutional affiliation, or political ideology.
2. Confidentiality
   Editors must maintain confidentiality throughout the editorial process and disclose manuscript information only to those directly involved in evaluation and publication.
3. Publication Decisions
   Editors are responsible for the final decision regarding acceptance or rejection of manuscripts, based on reviewers’ recommendations, scholarly quality, and the journal’s scope.
4. Handling Ethical Issues and Complaints
   Editors must investigate ethical concerns, allegations of misconduct, or complaints in a fair and transparent manner. Appropriate corrective actions—such as corrections, retractions, or expressions of concern—will be taken when necessary.

Ethical Responsibilities of the Publisher

1. Support for Ethical Standards
   The publisher ensures that IJLBS adheres to the highest ethical standards and supports editors, reviewers, and authors in maintaining integrity throughout the publication process.
2. Protection of Intellectual Property
   The publisher safeguards the integrity of published content and takes necessary steps to address ethical violations or misconduct.
3. Post-Publication Oversight
   In cases where ethical issues are identified after publication, the publisher collaborates with the editorial team to investigate and take corrective measures in accordance with COPE guidelines.

Post-Publication Protocols

If ethical issues or errors are identified after publication, IJLBS will conduct a thorough investigation in consultation with the authors, reviewers, and editorial board. Depending on the outcome, appropriate actions such as issuing corrections, retractions, or statements of concern will be undertaken. The primary objective is to preserve the integrity of the scholarly record and uphold the trust of the academic community.