Journal self-citation XIII: The ethics of influencing the peer review process - An essay

Abstract

This paper argues that there is no ethical support for a request from an editor to cite previous works in a journal to which the author is submitting work. It posits that higher values should exist in academia and that the reviewer's task is difficult enough. The paper looks at the specific question raised on AISWorld and tries to put this in the context of a supportive ethical framework, without success. It then moves to consider the roles and responsibilities of reviewers and editors more generally. The paper concludes by calling for openness and honesty in the review process with only changes for the good of the article being proposed. © 2009 by the authors.