Plagiarism and AI Policy

Plagiarism and AI Policy

Pakistan Journal of Management & Social Science (PJMS)

1. Introduction

The Pakistan Journal of Management & Social Science (PJMS) is committed to publishing high-quality, original research in management, social sciences, and interdisciplinary studies. To maintain the highest standards of academic integrity and research ethics, PJMS enforces strict policies regarding plagiarism, self-plagiarism, and the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools.

All authors submitting manuscripts to PJMS must comply with this policy. Non-compliance may result in rejection, retraction, or further disciplinary action.

2. Plagiarism Policy

2.1 Definition of Plagiarism

Plagiarism is the presentation of another individual’s ideas, language, research findings, or data as one’s own without proper attribution. In management and social science research, plagiarism includes, but is not limited to:

  • Copying text verbatim from books, journal articles, reports, or online sources without proper citation.

  • Paraphrasing theories, conceptual frameworks, or analyses without acknowledgment.

  • Using case studies, organizational reports, survey data, or community-based research findings without proper attribution.

  • Presenting others’ tables, figures, charts, models, or analytical results as original work.

  • Using unpublished theses, dissertations, or conference papers without proper referencing.

Plagiarism, whether intentional or unintentional, is a serious breach of academic and professional ethics.

2.2 Self-Plagiarism

Self-plagiarism occurs when authors reuse substantial portions of their previously published work without appropriate citation or disclosure. In management and social science research, this may include:

  • Reusing literature review sections or theoretical frameworks.

  • Repeating methodology or analytical approaches.

  • Presenting previously published data or findings as new.

Self-plagiarism is acceptable only if:

  • The reused material is minimal and properly cited.

  • The manuscript contributes significant new insights, analysis, or empirical evidence.

  • Authors disclose prior publications during submission.

Duplicate publication or redundant submission is strictly prohibited.

2.3 Plagiarism Screening

All manuscripts submitted to PJMS undergo plagiarism screening using professional similarity-detection software.

  • A similarity index below 15% (excluding references and commonly used methodological phrases) is generally acceptable.

  • Overlaps in methodology or standard terminology may be tolerated if properly cited.

  • High similarity in literature review, analysis, discussion, or conclusion sections is deemed unacceptable.

  • Reproducing tables, figures, datasets, or organizational case studies without permission results in automatic rejection.

2.4 Consequences of Plagiarism

If plagiarism is detected at any stage, PJMS may take the following actions:

  • Immediate rejection of the manuscript.

  • Request for clarification, revision, or resubmission.

  • Retraction of published articles, with a formal retraction notice.

  • Notification to the author’s institution, funding agency, or professional association.

  • Temporary or permanent restriction from future submissions.

Plagiarism is treated as a serious ethical violation in line with international academic standards.

3. Artificial Intelligence (AI) Use Policy

3.1 Guiding Principle

PJMS recognizes the increasing use of AI tools in research, writing, and data analysis. However, AI must support human scholarship and must not replace critical thinking, originality, or professional judgment.

3.2 Acceptable Uses of AI Tools

AI-assisted tools may be used for:

  • Grammar, spelling, and language refinement.

  • Formatting references, citations, headings, tables, and figures according to journal style.

  • Creating charts, graphs, or visualizations from author-generated datasets.

  • Assisting in coding or categorization of qualitative data, provided all outputs are manually verified by authors.

  • Supporting statistical calculations or econometric modeling, with authors independently verifying results.

All AI usage must be transparently disclosed in the manuscript.

3.3 Prohibited Uses of AI Tools

AI use is strictly prohibited for:

  • Generating literature reviews, theoretical frameworks, analysis, or conclusions.

  • Fabricating data, survey results, interview transcripts, or organizational reports.

  • Producing fake citations, references, or bibliographies.

  • Interpreting results or formulating recommendations without human verification.

  • Using AI to process sensitive human-subject, client, or organizational data in ways that violate ethical standards.

Improper AI use constitutes academic misconduct.

3.4 AI Use Disclosure Requirement

Authors must include a dedicated AI Use Disclosure section in the manuscript specifying:

  • The AI tool(s) used.

  • The purpose of use.

  • A statement confirming that AI did not contribute to ideas, analysis, or intellectual content.

Sample disclosure statement:
“AI-assisted tools were used solely for language editing and reference formatting. All conceptual development, data analysis, and interpretations were conducted by the authors.”

Failure to disclose AI use may result in rejection.

3.5 Author Responsibility

Authors are fully responsible for:

  • Accuracy of AI-assisted content.

  • Ensuring no fabricated, biased, or erroneous information is included.

  • Protecting confidentiality of human subjects, clients, or organizational data.

  • Upholding ethical and professional standards in management and social science research.

AI tools cannot be credited as authors or co-authors.

4. Editorial Responsibilities

The editorial board of PJMS is responsible for:

  • Screening all submissions for plagiarism and AI misuse.

  • Verifying originality, methodological integrity, and ethical compliance.

  • Requesting supporting data, instruments, or documentation when necessary.

  • Ensuring transparency, fairness, and consistency in handling suspected ethical violations.

  • Following international ethical standards such as COPE, APA, and other relevant guidelines for social science research.

5. Policy Review and Updates

This policy will be reviewed periodically to reflect:

  • Technological advancements, particularly AI tools.

  • Emerging ethical challenges in management and social science research.

  • Updates to international standards and best practices in academic publishing.

All revisions will be publicly available on the official journal website.