9. Reviewer Policy & Selection Guidelines

9.1 Purpose of the Reviewer Policy

Peer reviewers play a vital role in ensuring the quality, credibility, originality, and academic integrity of research published in the International Journal of Business and Social Dynamics (IJBSD). This policy outlines the eligibility criteria, selection process, ethical responsibilities, performance standards, and recognition mechanisms for reviewers. This policy applies to all reviewers participating in the IJBSD peer review process and is guided by best practices of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).

9.2 Eligibility: Who Can Become a Reviewer for IJBSD

An individual may be considered eligible to serve as a reviewer if they meet one of the following criteria:

Hold a PhD degree in a relevant discipline OR hold a Master’s degree in a relevant field with a minimum of five (5) years of professional, academic, or research experience in the same area

Preference is given to candidates with:

  • Peer-reviewed publications
  • Research or teaching experience
  • Prior reviewing experience

9.3 Benefits and Recognition for Reviewers

IJBSD highly values the contribution of reviewers and recognizes their efforts through the following incentives:

  • Honorarium for completed reviews:
    • PKR 5,000 for local reviews
    • Foreign reviewers receive an honorarium equivalent to PKR 10,000 (USD equivalent)
  • Official Reviewer Certificate issued by IJBSD
  • Recognition of academic service and professional contribution
  • Opportunity to:
    • Improve research and critical evaluation skills
    • Stay updated with current literature
    • Gain early access to emerging research
    • Enhance professional reputation and academic visibility
  • Contribution to career advancement, as peer review is an essential scholarly activity

9.4 How to Become a Reviewer for IJBSD

Interested individuals may apply by following these steps:

  1. Visit the official IJBSD website and complete the Reviewer Application Form
  2. Receive email confirmation upon submission
  3. The editorial team evaluates the application based on expertise and qualifications
  4. Upon approval:
    • The reviewer is registered in the Reviewer Management System
    • A unique Reviewer ID is assigned

The editorial office reserves the right to approve or decline applications.

9.5 Reviewer Roles and Responsibilities

Reviewers are expected to:

  • Evaluate manuscripts for:
    • Originality
    • Quality
    • Relevance
    • Methodological rigor
  • Provide timely, constructive, and unbiased feedback
  • Identify ethical issues, including:
    • Plagiarism
    • Data fabrication or manipulation
    • Undisclosed conflicts of interest
  • Maintain strict confidentiality of manuscript content
  • Decline review invitations if:
    • The topic falls outside their expertise
    • A conflict of interest exists

9.6 Reviewer Selection Criteria

Reviewers are selected based on the following criteria:

9.6.1 Subject Matter Expertise

  • Relevant academic qualifications or professional experience
  • Demonstrated research output or domain expertise

9.6.2 Academic and Professional Standing

  • Minimum of a Master’s degree (PhD preferred)
  • Affiliation with a recognized academic, research, or professional institution

9.6.3 Ethical Conduct

  • A record of ethical scholarly behavior
  • No history of academic misconduct or unethical reviewing practices

9.6.4 Diversity and Inclusion

IJBSD promotes diversity in reviewer selection by considering:

  • Geographic representation
  • Gender balance
  • Career stages
  • Institutional diversity

9.7 Reviewer Selection Process

The selection process includes:

9.7.1 Editorial Recommendation

  • Editors identify reviewers based on topic relevance and expertise

9.7.2 Database and External Search

Selection may involve:

  • IJBSD internal reviewer database
  • Validated author-suggested reviewers
  • Indexing platforms (Scopus, Web of Science, Publons)
  • ORCID and institutional profiles

9.7.3 Conflict of Interest Assessment

Reviewers are excluded if they have:

  • Co-authored with the author(s) in the past three (3) years
  • Supervisory or mentorship relationships
  • Institutional or personal affiliations affecting impartiality

9.8 Reviewer Database Management

IJBSD maintains a secure and confidential reviewer database containing:

  • Areas of expertise
  • Review history and performance
  • Timeliness and responsiveness
  • Editorial feedback and ratings

The database is periodically reviewed to:

  • Update reviewer information
  • Remove inactive reviewers
  • Recognize high-performing reviewers

9.9 Reviewer Ethics and Conduct

Reviewers must adhere to COPE Ethical Guidelines for Peer Reviewers, including:

9.9.1 Confidentiality

  • Manuscripts must be treated as confidential
  • Content must not be shared or used for personal research

9.9.2 Objectivity

  • Reviews must be impartial and evidence-based
  • Personal bias or competitive motivations are unacceptable

9.9.3 Constructive Feedback

  • Comments must be respectful, professional, and actionable
  • Hostile, vague, or inappropriate remarks are not permitted

9.9.4 Conflict of Interest Disclosure

  • Any real or potential conflicts must be declared immediately
  • Reviewers must recuse themselves where conflicts exist

9.10 Reviewer Performance Standards

9.10.1 Timeliness

  • Reviews should be completed within 2–3 weeks
  • Delays must be communicated promptly

9.10.2 Quality of Reviews

Editors assess reviews based on:

  • Analytical depth
  • Clarity and relevance
  • Constructive recommendations

9.10.3 Professional Communication

  • Respectful academic language is required
  • Review forms must be completed thoroughly

9.11 Reviewer Support and Development

IJBSD supports reviewers through:

  • Editorial feedback on review quality
  • Access to reviewer guidelines and ethical resources
  • Sample review templates and evaluation checklists
  • Webinars and training on:
    • Ethical reviewing
    • Constructive critique
    • Identifying research misconduct
  • Mentorship opportunities for early-career reviewers

9.12 Anonymity and Peer Review Model

9.12.1 Double-Blind Peer Review

  • Reviewer and author identities are concealed from each other

9.12.2 Optional Recognition

  • With mutual consent, reviewer contributions may be acknowledged post-publication through platforms such as Publons
  • Reviewer identity remains confidential unless explicitly approved

9.13 Special Cases

9.13.1 Author-Suggested Reviewers

  • Authors may suggest reviewers, subject to verification
  • Editors are not obligated to use suggested reviewers

9.13.2 Blacklisted Reviewers

  • Reviewers involved in misconduct or unethical behavior may be permanently removed from the reviewer pool

9.14 Policy Review and Updates

This policy is reviewed every two years or earlier if required due to:

  • COPE or ethical guideline updates
  • Reviewer feedback or performance concerns
  • Procedural or technological changes

Updated versions are published on the IJBSD website and communicated to active reviewers.