Guideline for Reviewers
Conflict of Interest Guidelines for Reviewers of CJBEHM
The Canadian Journal of Business, Economics and Health Management (CJBEHM) conducts thorough conflict of interest checks for all reviewers before assigning them a manuscript. However, reviewers must also be proactive and follow the guidelines below to decide whether they should decline to review a submission:
Recent Publication or Current Submission With Any Author
Reviewers should not accept the assignment if they have recently published with any of the authors or if they currently have a submission with any of the authors of the manuscript. This prevents bias or the appearance of a conflict.
Affiliation With Any Author
A manuscript review should be declined if the reviewer is, or has ever been, affiliated in any professional or academic capacity with any of the authors. This includes any joint ventures, institutional associations, or professional collaborations that could influence impartial judgment.
Co-writing or Previous Collaborative Work With Any Author
If a reviewer has co-written papers with any of the authors of the manuscript, they should decline the review. Past collaborations can create biases, intentional or unintentional, in the review process, compromising objectivity.
Close Personal Connection to Any Author
Reviewers should also avoid reviewing manuscripts where they have a close personal relationship with any of the authors, such as family, close friendships, or long-standing personal ties. Such relationships could affect the ability to evaluate the work objectively.
Financial Interest in the Subject Matter of the Work
Reviewers must not review manuscripts if they have a financial interest in the subject matter of the work. This includes any investment, commercial involvement, or financial stake that could influence the impartiality of the review.
Inability to Be Objective
If a reviewer feels that they are unable to remain objective due to personal, professional, or other reasons, they should withdraw from the review process. Bias in the evaluation of the manuscript can undermine the credibility of the peer review process.
Confidentiality and Privacy in the Peer Review Process
At the Canadian Journal of Business, Economics and Health Management (CJBEHM), we uphold strict confidentiality standards to ensure the integrity of the peer review process. Reviewers must maintain confidentiality of the manuscript content, engage only with authorized individuals, and dispose of copies securely; failure to comply can lead to severe consequences. See how we maintain confidentiality and privacy in our peer review process.
Strict Confidentiality
Peer-reviewed manuscripts are considered confidential documents. Reviewers are expected to keep the content of the manuscript strictly private and should not share it with anyone who is not directly involved in the peer review process. The reviewer must not disclose any details about the manuscript or its findings to others, even if the review process is completed.
No External Discussions
Reviewers are prohibited from discussing the manuscript with colleagues, collaborators, or anyone outside the review process unless it is necessary and with prior approval from the journal editor. Even informal or casual conversations regarding the manuscript’s content are forbidden to ensure that no unauthorized individuals gain access to the work.
Consultation with Colleagues
In some cases, reviewers may consult with trusted colleagues within their research group to seek guidance or clarification on specific aspects of the manuscript. However, such consultations must be conducted under the condition that the manuscript’s confidentiality is strictly upheld, and no details of the work are shared with anyone outside the trusted circle.
Anonymity of Reviewers
Reviewers’ identities are usually kept anonymous to the authors, except in the case of open peer review systems, where reviewers choose to reveal their identities. This is to ensure impartiality and minimize any bias in the review process. If the reviewer opts for anonymity, they must ensure their report is written in a way that does not disclose their identity.
Ownership and Proper Use of Manuscripts
Reviewers are expected to use the manuscript solely for the purpose of evaluating it. The manuscript should not be used for personal research, publication, or any commercial purposes. Any unauthorized use or sharing of the manuscript can result in serious ethical violations.
Handling of Manuscripts After Review
Once the review process is complete, all copies of the manuscript, including drafts and supporting materials, should be securely disposed of. Reviewers must ensure that any printed or electronic copies are deleted or destroyed to prevent unauthorized access.
Maintaining the Integrity of the Review Process
Any conflict of interest that could affect the confidentiality or impartiality of the review should be disclosed by the reviewer to the journal editor immediately. Reviewers must refrain from reviewing manuscripts in cases where they have any personal, professional, or financial interests in the outcome of the work.
Recognition and Opportunities for Manuscript Reviewers
The Canadian Journal of Business, Economics, and Health Management (CJBEHM) values the significant role of manuscript reviewers in maintaining academic publishing quality and integrity. Let’s explore the recognition and opportunities available to our esteemed reviewers and the benefits of joining our team.
Certificate of Reviewing
For each manuscript that a reviewer evaluates, they will automatically receive a Certificate of Reviewing. This certificate recognizes their essential role in ensuring the quality and integrity of the journal’s content.
Certificate Details Include:
- Reviewer’s Name
- Manuscript Title/ID
- Date of Review
- A Statement of Appreciation
Editorial Board Membership Opportunities
Reviewers with a strong academic track record will be invited to apply for membership on our Editorial Board after completing several reviews. Board membership provides an excellent opportunity for reviewers to become more deeply involved in the journal’s editorial processes and gain further recognition in the academic community.
- Eligibility: A solid academic background (PhD preferred) and completion of multiple high-quality reviews.
- Application: Interested reviewers can apply to join the Editorial Board by filling out the Editor Application Form.
Annual Reviewer List
To publicly recognize the hard work of our reviewers, CJBEHM publishes an Annual Reviewer List every January on our website. This list includes the names of all reviewers who have contributed significantly to the journal during the past year.
- Visibility: The Annual Reviewer List gives reviewers recognition in the academic community, providing professional visibility for their contributions.
External Recognition via Web of Science:
In addition to internal recognition, Web of Science offers external acknowledgement for reviewers’ contributions. Reviewers who have participated in the peer review process for CJBEHM can receive official recognition from Web of Science by forwarding the “Thank You for Reviewing” email to reviews@webofscience.com.
- External Verification: This allows reviewers to track their peer review contributions and gain recognition beyond the journal. The Web of Science acknowledgement strengthens the reputation and profile of reviewers in the academic community.
Why Do We Value Our Reviewers?
We deeply appreciate the hard work, dedication, and expertise that our reviewers bring to ensure the quality and credibility of the journal’s published content. Their contributions are essential in upholding the journal’s high academic standards and are a crucial part of the academic publishing ecosystem.
To express our gratitude and offer valuable professional opportunities, we provide various recognition avenues, including certificates, Editorial Board membership, and external acknowledgement from the Web of Science. These efforts are meant not only to honor our reviewers but also to support their continued professional growth.
Canadian Journal of Business, Economics and Health Management (CJBEHM) acknowledges the vital role that peer reviewers play in maintaining the integrity and excellence of the journal. As a token of appreciation for their dedication, a Certificate of Appreciation will be issued to all reviewers who contribute to the journal’s review process.
Eligibility for Certificate
Reviewers will be eligible for a certificate if they:
- Complete at least one peer review for any manuscript submitted to the journal.
- Submit their review in a timely manner, adhering to the journal’s review deadlines.
- Provide constructive, thorough, and unbiased feedback that helps authors improve their manuscripts and assists editors in decision-making.
Content of the Certificate
The Certificate of Appreciation will include the following details:
- Reviewer’s Name: The reviewer’s full name as provided during the review process.
- Journal Name: Canadian Journal of Business, Economics and Health Management (CJBEHM).
- Date of Review: The date on which the review was submitted.
- Acknowledgement Statement: A statement expressing appreciation for the reviewer’s contribution, such as: “This certificate acknowledges your valuable contribution as a peer reviewer for the Canadian Journal of Business, Economics and Health Management (CJBEHM) and your dedication to maintaining the integrity and quality of academic research is greatly appreciated.“
- Signature: Signature of the editor or journal manager, as well as the date of issuance.
Procedure for Issuing Certificates
The Canadian Journal of Business, Economics and Health Management (CJBEHM) follows a clear procedure for issuing Certificates of Appreciation to our reviewers. As a result of this process, certificates are awarded to those who contribute meaningfully to the success of the journal.
- After Review Completion: Once a reviewer submits their final review, the editorial team will assess the quality of the feedback provided and ensure that all requirements are met.
- Certificate Preparation: A certificate will be prepared and emailed to the reviewer.
- Record Keeping: The journal will maintain a record of all certificates issued for future reference and acknowledgement.
How Can Reviewers Claim Their Certificates?
Certificates will be issued automatically to reviewers once their review has been submitted and approved by the editorial team. The process is automatic, with no additional action required from the reviewer once the review is complete. After approval, the certificate will be generated and sent directly to the reviewer’s email address on record. If any issues arise or further clarification is needed, reviewers can contact the editorial team for assistance.
Additional Benefits of the Certificate
The Certificate of Appreciation provides reviewers with valuable recognition that strengthens their professional standing and academic profile. Check out the details below to discover how this certificate can benefit you.
- Professional Recognition: The certificate serves as official recognition of the reviewer’s contributions and can be added to their curriculum vitae (CV) or professional portfolio.
- Academic Value: Reviewers with the certificate are considered more credible for academic promotions, grant applications, and tenure reviews.
- Encouragement: Offering certificates helps motivate reviewers to continue participating in the peer review process, improving the quality of submissions and maintaining high standards in academic publishing.