The Publication Ethics page outlines the ethical principles and standards followed by The Compass to ensure integrity, transparency, fairness, and accountability in scholarly publishing. The Journal is committed to promoting responsible research and ethical publication practices among authors, reviewers, editors, and publishers. The Compass follows internationally accepted principles of publication ethics and encourages all participants in the publication process to uphold the highest standards of academic integrity.
The Compass is committed to promoting ethical publishing through the following principles.
Authors submitting manuscripts to The Compass are expected :
Reviewers are expected to :
Editors are responsible for:
Authors should ensure that
Data are collected honestly and accurately.
Results are reported truthfully.
Conclusions are supported by evidence.
Data fabrication, falsification, and manipulation are strictly prohibited.
The Compass maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards plagiarism and is committed to preserving the originality and credibility of scholarly publications.
Every submitted manuscript may be screened using recognised plagiarism detection software before entering the peer review process.
Originality, proper citation, and ethical scholarship are essential requirements for publication in The Compass.
Manuscripts found to contain significant plagiarism of over 10% may be rejected immediately or withdrawn after publication if necessary.
Authorship should be limited to individuals who have made a significant scholarly contribution to the work.
Authors, reviewers, and editors should disclose any financial, institutional, professional, or personal relationships that could influence the publication process. Potential conflicts should be declared as early as possible.
The Compass recognises the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)-assisted technologies in scholarly writing.
AI-assisted technologies may be used to support the preparation of manuscripts. However, authors remain fully responsible for the originality, accuracy, interpretation, conclusions, and integrity of their work.
Authors are fully responsible for ensuring that all submitted work is original.
AI-generated content must be carefully verified, interpreted, and reviewed by the authors.
AI tools cannot be listed as authors. Human authors remain accountable for the entire manuscript.
Any substantial use of AI-assisted technologies should be disclosed by the authors during submission.
Where significant errors or ethical concerns are identified after publication, the Journal may publish:
Minor errors that do not affect the overall conclusions of the article may be corrected through an official correction notice.
Publisher or production errors may be addressed by issuing an erratum to maintain the accuracy of the published record.
Where serious concerns require further investigation, the Journal may publish an Expression of Concern to inform readers.
Articles containing significant errors, misconduct, or ethical violations may be formally retracted by the Journal.
The Editorial Board will investigate such cases fairly and transparently before taking appropriate action.
The Compass is committed to handling complaints and appeals fairly, confidentially, and transparently in accordance with internationally recognised publication ethics practices.
Authors, reviewers, and readers may submit complaints regarding:
Appeals against editorial decisions will be considered where there is evidence of:
The Compass follows internationally recognised publication ethics principles and encourages authors, reviewers, and editors to observe established scholarly publishing guidelines and best practices.
Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) provides internationally recognised guidance on publication ethics, editorial practices, and research integrity.
Visit COPEUniversity Grants Commission (UGC) Good Academic Research Practices (GARP) promotes responsible research and ethical academic conduct.
Visit UGCWhere applicable, authors should follow the American Psychological Association Publication Manual (7th Edition) for citation and manuscript preparation.
APA StyleThe Compass remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of academic integrity, transparency, fairness, and accountability. These ethical principles guide every stage of the publication process and help ensure the credibility and long-term value of published research.
© 2026 The Compass. All Rights Reserved.