Research and Publication Ethics

The Canadian Journal of Marketing Research (CJMR) is committed to maintaining the highest standards of research integrity, publication ethics, and professional conduct. The journal follows internationally recognized ethical principles and best practices promoted by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) and expects all authors, reviewers, editors, and publishers to adhere to these standards throughout the publication process.

Authors’ Responsibilities

Authors must ensure that submitted manuscripts are original, accurate, and have not been published or simultaneously submitted elsewhere. All listed authors should have made significant intellectual contributions to the research and must approve the final version of the manuscript before submission.

Authors are responsible for:

  • Presenting research findings honestly and accurately.
  • Ensuring that data are authentic and have not been fabricated, falsified, or manipulated.
  • Properly acknowledging the work of others through accurate citations and references.
  • Disclosing any financial, institutional, or personal conflicts of interest.
  • Obtaining necessary permissions for copyrighted materials.
  • Informing the journal promptly if a significant error is discovered after publication.

Plagiarism and Similarity

CJMR has a strict policy against plagiarism in all its forms, including direct plagiarism, self-plagiarism, duplicate publication, redundant publication, and inappropriate paraphrasing. Submitted manuscripts may be screened using plagiarism-detection software.

Manuscripts containing substantial plagiarism or unethical use of published material may be rejected immediately. If plagiarism is identified after publication, the journal may issue corrections, expressions of concern, or article retractions as appropriate.

Data Integrity and Research Misconduct

Authors must maintain accurate records of research data and provide access to supporting information when requested by editors. The following practices constitute research misconduct and are strictly prohibited:

  • Data fabrication
  • Data falsification
  • Image manipulation intended to mislead readers
  • Citation manipulation
  • Misrepresentation of research findings
  • Duplicate or redundant publication

Any suspected misconduct will be investigated according to established ethical procedures.

Authorship and Contributorship

Authorship should be limited to individuals who have made substantial contributions to the conception, design, execution, analysis, or interpretation of the study. Individuals who contributed in a limited capacity should be acknowledged appropriately but should not be listed as authors.

The journal does not accept:

  • Guest authorship
  • Gift authorship
  • Ghost authorship

Any changes to authorship after submission require written consent from all authors and editorial approval.

Conflict of Interest

Authors, reviewers, and editors must disclose any conflicts of interest that could influence the objectivity of the research, review, or editorial decision-making process. Such conflicts may include financial relationships, employment affiliations, consultancies, grants, patents, or personal relationships.

Ethical Approval and Research Involving Human Participants

Research involving human participants should comply with relevant ethical standards and institutional requirements. Authors should clearly indicate that appropriate ethical approval was obtained from a recognized ethics committee or institutional review board where applicable.

Authors must also confirm that informed consent was obtained from participants when required and that participant privacy and confidentiality have been protected.

Peer Review Ethics

CJMR employs a single-blind peer review process to ensure fair and objective manuscript evaluation. Reviewers are expected to:

  • Maintain confidentiality of all submitted materials.
  • Provide constructive, objective, and timely reviews.
  • Declare any conflicts of interest.
  • Refrain from using unpublished information for personal advantage.
  • Report suspected ethical concerns to the editor.

Editorial Responsibilities

Editors are responsible for making publication decisions based solely on the scholarly merit of submitted manuscripts. Editorial decisions are made without discrimination based on race, gender, nationality, institutional affiliation, religious beliefs, or political views.

Editors will:

  • Ensure a fair and unbiased review process.
  • Maintain confidentiality of submissions.
  • Address ethical concerns promptly and transparently.
  • Take appropriate action when misconduct is suspected or confirmed.

Corrections, Retractions, and Expressions of Concern

When significant errors or ethical issues are identified in published articles, CJMR may publish:

  • Corrections (Errata or Corrigenda)
  • Expressions of Concern
  • Retractions

Such actions will be taken to maintain the integrity of the scholarly record and inform readers of important issues affecting published content.

Complaints and Appeals

Authors may appeal editorial decisions or raise ethical concerns by submitting a written explanation to the Editorial Office. Complaints and appeals will be reviewed fairly, confidentially, and in accordance with the journal’s ethical policies.

Commitment to Ethical Publishing

CJMR is dedicated to promoting ethical research, responsible authorship, transparent peer review, and academic integrity. The journal expects all participants in the publication process to uphold the highest ethical standards and contribute to the advancement of trustworthy and high-quality marketing research.