Ethics Policy Statement

Scandinavian Journal of Public Administration is committed to upholding the highest ethical standards in academic publishing. We adhere to the ethical research guidelines published by the Swedish Research Council (VR) and follow the advice outlined in the guidelines and flowcharts provided by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE). Thereby, we expect authors, reviewers, and editors to adhere to the following ethical guidelines:

Authors

  1. Originality: Submit original research and avoid plagiarism or self-plagiarism. Properly cite sources and provide references where necessary.
  2. Authorship: List all contributors who have made substantial intellectual contributions to the manuscript and have approved the final version for submission.
  3. Conflict of Interest: Disclose any financial, personal, or professional conflicts of interest that may influence research or bias interpretation.
  4. Data and Reproducibility: Provide accurate and transparent data. Make data available when appropriate and possible, and ensure the reproducibility of research findings.
  5. Ethical Research: Conduct research in compliance with ethical standards, including obtaining necessary approvals and consent for human or animal research, and respecting privacy and confidentiality.

Reviewers

  1. Confidentiality: Maintain confidentiality and refrain from using any information obtained during the peer-review process for personal advantage or unauthorized disclosure.
  2. Fair and Objective Evaluation: Conduct reviews objectively and provide constructive feedback. Declare any conflicts of interest that may affect your impartiality.
  3. Timeliness: Complete reviews promptly and inform editors of any delays or challenges.

Editors

  1. Fairness and Impartiality: Make editorial decisions based solely on the manuscript's quality, originality, and contribution to the field, without bias.
  2. Conflicts of Interest: Avoid handling submissions involving conflicts of interest, and delegate the review process to other qualified editors.
  3. Transparency: Communicate clearly with authors, reviewers, and readers. Publish corrections or retractions when necessary.
  4. Plagiarism and Misconduct: Address suspected plagiarism, data fabrication, and other forms of misconduct promptly and objectively.
  5. Publication Ethics: Adhere to the aforementioned guidelines and flowcharts in publishing ethics and endorse the principles of open access and transparent peer review.

Conflict of Interest Statement for Authors

Authors are required to disclose any potential conflicts of interest that could be perceived as affecting the integrity, objectivity, or credibility of their research. These conflicts may include financial interests, affiliations, or personal relationships with individuals or organizations that could influence their work. Transparency in reporting potential conflicts of interest is essential to maintain the trust and reliability of academic publishing. Authors must provide a clear and comprehensive declaration of any relevant conflicts at the time of manuscript submission to ensure the integrity of the peer-review and publication process.

Post-Publication Retraction Statement

In rare instances, circumstances may arise that necessitate the retraction of a published article in our journal. Such actions are taken with utmost seriousness and transparency. Retractions may occur due to identified ethical violations, data inaccuracies, or other substantial issues that compromise the validity or integrity of the research.

At Scandinavian Journal of Public Administration, we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of academic integrity and ethical publishing. Our decision to retract an article is made following thorough investigation and deliberation, and it is accompanied by a clear and detailed retraction notice. This notice provides a transparent explanation of the reasons for the retraction and is made available to our readers and the academic community.

We view post-publication retractions as an essential part of responsible and ethical publishing, ensuring that the scholarly record is accurate and reliable. Our commitment to transparency and ethical conduct extends to all aspects of our journal's operation, including the handling of retractions when they are deemed necessary.

Statement on Publishing Malpractices

At Scandinavian Journal of Public Administration, we are unwavering in our commitment to upholding the highest ethical standards in academic publishing. We condemn all forms of publishing malpractices, including but not limited to plagiarism, data fabrication, falsification, redundant publication, and unethical authorship practices.

We take a proactive stance in preventing and addressing these malpractices to maintain the integrity of our publications. Our editorial team employs robust peer-review processes, plagiarism detection tools, and ethical guidelines to identify and prevent unethical behavior. When instances of malpractice are detected, we investigate them thoroughly and take appropriate corrective actions, including retractions, corrections, and reporting to relevant authorities.

Our mission is to promote honest, transparent, and rigorous research dissemination, and we actively collaborate with authors, reviewers, and the academic community to foster a culture of integrity in scholarly communication. We encourage all stakeholders to familiarize themselves with ethical publishing practices and report any suspected malpractices promptly.

By adhering to the highest ethical standards, we aim to ensure the credibility and trustworthiness of the research we publish and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in a responsible and ethical manner. Scandinavian Journal of Public Administration is dedicated to maintaining the integrity and credibility of academic research. We encourage responsible conduct and expect all stakeholders to uphold these ethical principles. Violations of these guidelines may result in appropriate actions, including rejection of submissions or the removal of published content.