Confidentiality Protocols

Lead Sci Journal of Management, Innovation and Social Sciences (LSJMISS)

Confidentiality is a foundational principle of the editorial and peer review processes at LSJMISS. To ensure the integrity, fairness, and ethical credibility of our publishing operations, the following protocols establish the responsibilities of editors, reviewers, and journal staff in maintaining strict confidentiality throughout the manuscript lifecycle.

1. Confidentiality of Manuscripts

For Editors

All submitted manuscripts are treated as confidential and privileged documents.
Editors may not disclose or use manuscript content—including text, data, figures, or supplementary files—for personal or academic gain.
Manuscripts must only be discussed within the scope of editorial duties and only with authorized personnel.

For Reviewers

Reviewers must treat all manuscripts as confidential intellectual property.
Content may not be discussed with colleagues or shared externally without written permission from the editorial office.
Any printed or downloaded materials must be stored securely and destroyed once the review is complete.

For Journal Staff

Access to manuscript files is restricted to authorized staff.
Staff may not open, share, or use content for any non-editorial purpose.
Confidential files must be handled using secure, password-protected systems.

2. Confidentiality of the Peer Review Process

Double-Blind Review Protection

LSJMISS uses a double-blind review model:

Authors’ identities are anonymized before review.
Reviewer identities are never disclosed to authors.
Editors must ensure that no identifying information is included in review files or system-generated correspondence.

Reviewer Anonymity

Reviewers’ identities are not to be shared with other reviewers, authors, or third parties.
The editorial team must verify that all review comments and metadata are anonymized prior to author communication.

3. Confidential Correspondence

With Authors

All decision letters, reviewer feedback, and editorial comments are confidential.
Authors must not forward, publish, or share confidential correspondence without journal approval.

With Reviewers

All reviewer invitations, manuscript summaries, and discussions are private and intended solely for the assigned reviewer.
Reviewer comments shared with authors will be anonymized and must not contain identifying information.

4. Data Protection and Secure Storage

System Security

Only registered, authorized users may access LSJMISS’s submission and editorial platforms.
All users must safeguard their credentials and log out of shared or public devices after use.

File Handling

Manuscript files and related documents should only be stored on secure, encrypted systems.
Confidential materials must not be saved in shared cloud drives or unprotected local folders.

5. Post-Decision Confidentiality

Rejected Manuscripts

The content of rejected manuscripts remains confidential, including editorial notes and reviewer feedback.
Such content must not be cited, discussed, or used in any future work by reviewers or editors.
All copies of rejected manuscripts should be deleted after editorial resolution.

Published Manuscripts

Although published articles are open access, the peer review history, reviewer identities, and editorial deliberations remain strictly confidential and are not disclosed.

6. Handling Breaches of Confidentiality

Reporting Breaches

Any suspected or confirmed breach—intentional or accidental—must be reported immediately to the Editor-in-Chief or Managing Editor.

Consequences

Violations of these protocols may lead to:

Permanent removal from the editorial or reviewer panel
Termination of access to the editorial system
Notification to the violator’s affiliated institution
Reporting to relevant ethical bodies, such as COPE

7. Ethical Framework and Compliance

LSJMISS adheres to confidentiality standards established by:

The Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE)
The International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE)

All contributors involved in the editorial, peer review, or production process are required to comply with these standards and uphold strict confidentiality at all times.

Confidentiality Protocols