Complaints & Misconduct Policy

The Arghand Journal of Social Sciences (AJSS) is committed to maintaining the highest standards of publication ethics and integrity. This policy outlines how AJSS handles complaints, disputes, and cases of research or publication misconduct in a transparent, fair, and systematic manner.

Scope of the Policy

This policy applies to:

  • Authors
  • Reviewers
  • Editors
  • Readers and other stakeholders interacting with AJSS

It covers complaints and misconduct related to:
      1. Editorial processes
      2. Peer review practices
      3. Plagiarism and data fabrication
      4. Authorship disputes
      5. Conflicts of interest
      6. Ethical breaches in published articles

 

Phase 1: Complaints Handling Procedure

1.1 Filing a Complaint

Complaints may be submitted regarding:

  • Editorial decision-making delays
  • Unfair treatment during peer review
  • Ethical concerns about a published article
  • Breaches of confidentiality

How to Submit a Complaint:
Email: alimr.212@gmail.com
CC: rpashtoon@hotmail.com
Subject Line: “Complaint – AJSS”

The complaint should include:
     1. Full name and contact information
     2. Manuscript ID (if applicable)
     3. Detailed description of the complaint
     4. Supporting evidence (if any)

1.2 Initial Assessment

  • The Editor-in-Chief or designated editor acknowledges receipt of the complaint within 5 working days.
  • A preliminary assessment determines whether the complaint is valid and requires further investigation.

 

Phase 2: Misconduct Investigation

2.1 Definition of Misconduct

Misconduct includes but is not limited to:

  • Plagiarism (unattributed copying of others’ work)
  • Data fabrication or falsification
  • Redundant publication (self-plagiarism)
  • Improper authorship attribution
  • Undisclosed conflicts of interest
  • Peer review manipulation

2.2 Investigation Steps

Step 1: Formation of Inquiry Committee

  • Composed of at least three editorial board members.

Step 2: Notification of Relevant Parties

  • Authors or reviewers involved are informed and given an opportunity to respond.

Step 3: Evidence Review

  • The committee examines submitted evidence, similarity reports, and correspondence.

Step 4: Decision and Action
The committee recommends one or more actions:
      1. No Action (if no misconduct found)
      2. Minor Correction (for unintentional errors)
      3. Retraction (for serious misconduct)
      4. Author Blacklisting (in severe cases)

 

Phase 3: Post-Investigation Actions

3.1 Retractions and Corrections

  • Articles requiring retraction will be marked with a “Retraction Notice” explaining the reason.
  • Minor errors may be addressed through a published “Erratum” or “Corrigendum.”

3.2 Sanctions

  • Authors or reviewers found guilty of misconduct may be:
    1. Banned from submitting to AJSS for a set period (e.g., 2 years).
    2. Reported to their institutions or funding bodies.

 

Cultural and Ethical Sensitivity

All investigations and actions will be conducted in alignment with Afghan cultural values and Islamic ethical principles.

 

Review Timeline

  • Acknowledgment of Complaint: Within 5 working days
  • Investigation Completion: Within 4–6 weeks
  • Final Decision Communication: Within 7 days after investigation

 

Contact for Complaints or Ethical Concerns

alimr.212@gmail.com
CC: rpashtoon@hotmail.com
Editorial Office – AJSS, Kandahar University

 

Optional Additions for the Website

A flowchart diagram of complaint handling & misconduct investigation
Visual table of misconduct types and corresponding actions
“Report a Concern” quick link button (for online form submissions)