Publication Ethics

Publication Ethics
FOSTER — Journal of English Language Teaching
 

This statement describes the publication ethics and ethical responsibilities of FOSTER: Journal of English Language Teaching, published by the English Language Education Study Program, IAIN Palopo. The policy is adapted from the principles and guidelines of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) and applies to all parties involved in the publication process.

Publication Ethics Framework

This statement is based on the ethical principles and publication standards provided by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).

VISIT COPE

General Ethical Principles

Articles published in FOSTER: Journal of English Language Teaching contribute to the development of a coherent and respected body of knowledge in the field of English language teaching and education. The quality and integrity of published articles reflect the scholarly responsibility of both authors and their affiliated institutions.

All parties involved in the publication process—including authors, editors, editorial board members, reviewers, the publisher, and the wider academic community—are expected to uphold high standards of ethical conduct.

The Editors of FOSTER are committed to ensuring that editorial procedures are conducted objectively, fairly, transparently, and with appropriate intellectual independence. Manuscripts are evaluated without regard to race, gender, sexual orientation, religious belief, ethnic origin, citizenship, or specific political or group interests.

Academic Integrity

The journal uses appropriate software and editorial procedures to help identify plagiarism and protect the originality and integrity of published work.

Duties of Authors
  1. Authors are responsible for ensuring that the submitted work is original and has not been plagiarized.
  2. Authors must not reproduce work that has previously been published in another journal.
  3. Authors must not simultaneously submit the same manuscript to another journal while it is being reviewed or considered by FOSTER.
  4. Authors may submit their work elsewhere only after receiving a formal rejection from FOSTER or after receiving official approval from the journal for withdrawal of the manuscript.
  5. Authors must promptly inform the Chief Editor or publisher of any significant error or inaccuracy discovered in their published work so that an appropriate correction or retraction can be considered.
  6. Authors should make significant scholarly contributions to the work and accept responsibility for the content and any shortcomings of the manuscript.
Duties of Reviewers
  1. Reviewers must disclose any potential competing interest or conflict of interest before agreeing to review a manuscript.
  2. Reviewers may decline an invitation if they have a conflict of interest or insufficient expertise to evaluate the manuscript appropriately.
  3. Review manuscripts objectively, fairly, professionally, and constructively.
  4. Report any suspected ethical misconduct identified during the review process to the Chief Editor for appropriate action.
  5. Assess the originality of submissions and remain alert to possible plagiarism, duplicate publication, and other forms of publication misconduct.
  6. Maintain the confidentiality of the manuscript and must not discuss its content with others without appropriate permission.
  7. Complete the review within the assigned timeframe. Requests for an extension are subject to the discretion of the Chief Editor.
Duties of Editorial Board Members
01 Actively contribute to the development, quality, and long-term improvement of FOSTER.
02 Act as academic ambassadors and representatives of the journal within the scholarly community.
03 Continuously support, promote, and strengthen the visibility and academic reputation of FOSTER.
04 Participate in the peer-review process by reviewing manuscripts assigned to them within their areas of expertise.
Duties of the Chief Editor
  1. Evaluate manuscripts fairly and base editorial decisions primarily on their intellectual and scholarly merit.
  2. Ensure the confidentiality of submitted manuscripts and disclose manuscript information only to individuals directly involved in the publication process.
  3. Take responsibility for determining when and which articles are published, in accordance with the journal's editorial policies and publication standards.
  4. Actively seek constructive views and feedback from editorial board members, reviewers, authors, and other relevant stakeholders to improve the quality, visibility, and academic reputation of the journal.
  5. Provide clear instructions to prospective authors regarding the submission process, manuscript requirements, publication ethics, and editorial expectations.
  6. Ensure that appropriate and suitably qualified reviewers are selected for the peer-review process, taking into consideration their expertise, independence, and potential conflicts of interest.
Commitment to Publication Ethics

FOSTER is committed to maintaining integrity, fairness, confidentiality, transparency, and accountability throughout the scholarly publishing process.

 
FOSTER  •  Journal of English Language Teaching
 
Allegation of Research Misconduct
FOSTER - Journal of English Language Teaching
 

Research misconduct includes fabrication, falsification, plagiarism, citation manipulation, and other serious violations of research and publication ethics in conducting or reporting research, writing scholarly articles, or participating in the editorial and peer-review process. When allegations of research misconduct or other serious irregularities arise in relation to manuscripts submitted to or articles published in FOSTER: Journal of English Language Teaching (FOSTER JELT), the Editors are responsible for protecting the accuracy, credibility, and integrity of the scholarly record.

Integrity and Fairness in Research

FOSTER JELT is committed to investigating allegations objectively, protecting the integrity of scholarly publications, and ensuring fair treatment of all parties.

1. Principles and Ethical Standards

In cases of suspected misconduct, the Editors and Editorial Board will follow applicable publication ethics standards and the best-practice guidance of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) to investigate allegations and determine appropriate actions. All allegations will be handled fairly, confidentially, and objectively, with due consideration given to the rights of all parties involved.

Core Principles
  • Fair and impartial assessment of every allegation.
  • Confidential handling of information during the investigation.
  • Objective evaluation of available evidence.
  • Protection of the rights and interests of the parties involved.
  • Appropriate action to maintain the accuracy and integrity of the scholarly record.
2. Initial Assessment of Allegations

The initial step involves assessing the validity of the allegation and determining whether the reported conduct falls within the scope of research or publication misconduct. The Editors will also consider any relevant conflicts of interest involving the individuals who report the alleged misconduct or those involved in the investigation.

Initial Assessment Includes
  1. Reviewing the nature and details of the allegation.
  2. Determining whether the allegation concerns potential research or publication misconduct.
  3. Considering the available information and supporting evidence.
  4. Identifying relevant conflicts of interest that may affect the assessment.
3. Investigation and Author Response

When there are reasonable grounds to suspect research misconduct or other substantial irregularities, the corresponding author will be contacted and requested to provide a detailed explanation on behalf of the co-authors. Where necessary, the Editors may seek additional evidence, consult independent experts, or request a further assessment by appropriate specialists, including statistical reviewers.

Investigation and Verification

The investigation may involve examination of relevant documents, research data, references, editorial records, author explanations, and other evidence appropriate to the allegation. Additional expert assessment may be sought when required.

4. Outcomes of the Investigation

If the investigation finds that misconduct is unlikely to have occurred, the Editors may determine that no further action is necessary. Where appropriate, clarification, additional analysis, or a published correction may be sufficient to address errors or ambiguities in the scholarly record.

Possible Editorial Outcomes
  • No further action when the allegation is not substantiated.
  • Clarification or additional analysis when further explanation is sufficient.
  • Publication of a correction when necessary to address errors in the scholarly record.

If misconduct is confirmed or significant concerns remain, FOSTER JELT may take appropriate action in accordance with publication ethics standards. Such actions may include rejection of the submitted manuscript, publication of a correction or expression of concern, retraction of a published article, or notification of the relevant author's institution when warranted.

Editorial Actions
  • Rejection of a manuscript before publication.
  • Publication of a correction or expression of concern.
  • Retraction of a published article when justified.
  • Notification of the relevant author's institution when warranted.
5. Institutional Cooperation

Authors' institutions are expected to conduct appropriate and thorough investigations of allegations of research misconduct within their jurisdiction. The journal may cooperate with relevant institutions and other authorized bodies to help establish the facts and determine appropriate responses.

Cooperation and Accountability

FOSTER JELT recognizes that appropriate institutional investigation and cooperation can contribute to the fair resolution of allegations and the protection of research integrity.

6. Fairness, Confidentiality, and Transparency

All editorial decisions will be guided by the principles of fairness, confidentiality, transparency, and accountability. Information relating to allegations will be handled responsibly and shared only when necessary for an appropriate assessment, investigation, or editorial decision.

By responding appropriately to allegations and taking proportionate action when necessary, FOSTER: Journal of English Language Teaching (FOSTER JELT) is committed to maintaining the reliability of published research and upholding the highest standards of scholarly integrity.

Research Integrity and Publication Ethics

FOSTER JELT is committed to responsible research, fair editorial procedures, and the preservation of an accurate and trustworthy scholarly record.

 
FOSTER   |   Journal of English Language Teaching