Plagiarism and AI Policy

Plagiarism and AI Policy

Journal of Business Management (JBM)

1. Introduction

The Journal of Business Management (JBM) is committed to publishing original, high-quality research in the fields of business management, organizational studies, finance, marketing, human resource management, and related disciplines.
To uphold the highest standards of academic integrity, the journal enforces strict policies on plagiarism, self-plagiarism, and the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools in research, writing, and publication.

All authors submitting manuscripts to JBM are expected to comply with this policy. Non-compliance may result in manuscript rejection, retraction, or further disciplinary action.

2. Plagiarism Policy

2.1 Definition of Plagiarism

Plagiarism is the presentation of another person’s ideas, words, research findings, or analytical results as one’s own without proper acknowledgment. In business management research, plagiarism includes, but is not limited to:

  • Copying text verbatim from books, articles, reports, or online sources without citation.

  • Improper paraphrasing of theories, conceptual frameworks, or research findings.

  • Using case studies, company reports, market analyses, or datasets without acknowledgment.

  • Presenting others’ tables, figures, financial analyses, or organizational models as original work.

  • Using unpublished theses, dissertations, or conference papers without proper citation.

Plagiarism, whether intentional or unintentional, constitutes a serious ethical violation.

2.2 Self-Plagiarism

Self-plagiarism occurs when authors reuse significant portions of their previously published work without citation or disclosure. In business management research, this may include:

  • Reusing literature review sections or theoretical frameworks.

  • Replicating methodology or analytical approaches.

  • Presenting previously published data, results, or case studies as new.

Self-plagiarism is acceptable only when:

  • Reused content is minimal and properly cited.

  • The new manuscript provides substantial new insights, analysis, or empirical evidence.

  • Authors disclose prior publication during submission.

Duplicate submission or redundant publication is strictly prohibited.

2.3 Plagiarism Screening

All manuscripts submitted to JBM undergo plagiarism screening using professional similarity-detection software.

  • A similarity index below 15% (excluding references and standard phrases) is generally acceptable.

  • Similarity in methodology or commonly used terminology may be tolerated if cited appropriately.

  • High similarity in literature review, discussion, or conclusion sections may result in rejection.

  • Unattributed reproduction of tables, figures, or datasets leads to automatic rejection.

2.4 Consequences of Plagiarism

If plagiarism is detected at any stage, JBM may take the following actions:

  • Immediate rejection of the manuscript.

  • Request for correction, clarification, or resubmission.

  • Retraction of published articles, with formal retraction notice.

  • Notification to the author’s institution, funding agency, or professional association.

  • Temporary or permanent restriction on future submissions.

Plagiarism is considered a serious breach of academic and professional ethics.

3. Artificial Intelligence (AI) Use Policy

3.1 Guiding Principle

JBM recognizes the growing role of AI tools in research writing, data analysis, and academic communication. However, AI must support human scholarship and must not replace critical thinking, conceptualization, or original analysis.

3.2 Acceptable Uses of AI Tools

AI-assisted tools may be used for:

  • Grammar, spelling, and language enhancement.

  • Formatting references, citations, headings, and tables according to journal style.

  • Creating charts, graphs, or data visualizations from author-generated datasets.

  • Assisting in qualitative coding or preliminary categorization, with manual verification by authors.

  • Supporting statistical calculations or model execution, where authors independently verify all results.

All AI use must be transparently disclosed in the manuscript.

3.3 Prohibited Uses of AI Tools

The following uses of AI are strictly prohibited:

  • Generating literature reviews, theoretical frameworks, analysis, or conclusions.

  • Fabricating data, survey responses, financial reports, or case study findings.

  • Producing fake citations or references.

  • Using AI to interpret results or make recommendations without human verification.

  • Using AI to analyze sensitive client, organizational, or employee data in violation of ethical standards.

Improper AI use constitutes academic misconduct.

3.4 AI Use Disclosure Requirement

Authors must include an AI Use Disclosure section in the manuscript specifying:

  • The AI tool(s) used.

  • The purpose of use.

  • Confirmation that AI did not contribute to ideas, analysis, or intellectual content.

Sample disclosure statement:
“AI-assisted tools were used solely for language editing and reference formatting. All conceptual development, data analysis, and interpretations were conducted by the authors.”

Failure to disclose AI use may result in rejection.

3.5 Author Responsibility

Authors retain full responsibility for:

  • Accuracy of AI-assisted content.

  • Ensuring no fabricated, biased, or erroneous information is included.

  • Protecting confidentiality of research participants, clients, or organizational data.

  • Upholding ethical and professional standards in business management research.

AI tools cannot be listed as authors or co-authors.

4. Editorial Responsibilities

The editorial board of JBM is responsible for:

  • Screening all submissions for plagiarism and improper AI use.

  • Verifying originality, methodological integrity, and ethical compliance.

  • Requesting supporting data, instruments, or organizational permissions when necessary.

  • Ensuring transparency, fairness, and consistency in handling suspected violations.

  • Following international ethical standards such as COPE, APA, and other business research guidelines.

5. Policy Review and Updates

This policy will be reviewed periodically to reflect:

  • Technological advancements, particularly AI tools.

  • Emerging ethical challenges in business research.

  • Updates to international standards and best practices in academic publishing.

All revisions will be publicly available on the official journal website.