About the Policy

The Journal of Performance Management (JPM) recognizes the growing use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies in academic research and scholarly publishing. While AI tools can assist researchers in improving efficiency, productivity, and communication, their use must be transparent, ethical, and consistent with the principles of research integrity.

This policy establishes the journal’s requirements regarding the use of Generative AI and AI-assisted technologies in manuscript preparation, peer review, and editorial processes. The policy aims to ensure accountability, transparency, originality, and the reliability of published research.

Scope of the Policy

This policy applies to all participants in the publication process, including:

• Authors
• Reviewers
• Editors
• Editorial Board Members
• Guest Editors

It covers the use of Generative AI systems such as large language models, AI writing assistants, image-generation tools, data-analysis assistants, and similar technologies.

Use of AI by Authors

Authors may use Generative AI tools to assist with:

• Language editing and grammar improvement
• Improving readability and clarity
• Formatting and organization of manuscripts
• Coding assistance and technical support
• Preliminary data exploration and analysis support

However, authors remain fully responsible for all content submitted to the journal.

The use of AI does not transfer responsibility for the accuracy, originality, validity, or integrity of the work.

Disclosure Requirements

Authors must disclose any significant use of Generative AI tools in the preparation of their manuscript.

Where applicable, authors should provide a statement describing:

• The AI tool used;
• The purpose for which it was used;
• The extent of AI assistance provided.

Example disclosure:

"The authors used a Generative AI tool for language editing and readability enhancement. All content was reviewed, verified, and approved by the authors, who take full responsibility for the final manuscript."

The Editor may request additional information regarding AI use if necessary.

AI Cannot Be an Author

Generative AI systems do not meet the criteria for authorship and cannot be listed as authors or co-authors of a manuscript.

AI systems:

• Cannot take responsibility for research findings;
• Cannot approve manuscript submissions;
• Cannot assume accountability for published work;
• Cannot hold copyright or intellectual responsibility.

Authorship is limited to human contributors who satisfy the journal’s authorship requirements.

Author Responsibility and Accountability

Authors remain solely responsible for:

• The accuracy of all information presented;
• Verification of facts, analyses, and interpretations;
• Proper citation of sources;
• Compliance with publication ethics;
• Originality of submitted content.

Authors must carefully review all AI-assisted outputs before submission.

Prohibited Uses of Generative AI

The following practices are not permitted:

• Generating fabricated research findings;
• Creating fictitious data, results, or experiments;
• Inventing references, citations, or sources;
• Producing misleading or deceptive content;
• Manipulating images, figures, or data in a deceptive manner;
• Using AI to engage in plagiarism or duplicate publication;
• Circumventing ethical review requirements.

Any misuse of AI may be treated as research misconduct.

AI and Research Data

Authors must ensure that confidential, proprietary, personal, or sensitive research data are not uploaded to AI systems in violation of privacy, confidentiality, legal, contractual, or ethical obligations.

Researchers remain responsible for protecting participant confidentiality and data security.

Use of AI in Figures, Images, and Visual Content

If AI-generated or AI-assisted images, illustrations, graphics, or visual materials are included in a manuscript:

• Their creation must be clearly disclosed;
• Authors must ensure that the content does not infringe intellectual property rights;
• Images must not be manipulated in a misleading manner;
• Appropriate permissions and acknowledgments must be obtained where required.
• The journal reserves the right to request original files or supporting documentation.

Use of AI by Reviewers

Reviewers must maintain strict confidentiality regarding manuscripts under review.

Reviewers should not upload confidential manuscript content, data, figures, or unpublished research materials into public AI systems or external AI platforms without explicit authorization from the journal.

Reviewers remain personally responsible for the content and quality of their reviews.

Use of AI by Editors

Editors may use AI-assisted tools for administrative support, language improvement, or workflow management where appropriate.

However, editorial decisions regarding:

• Manuscript acceptance;
• Rejection;
• Peer-review outcomes;
• Ethical investigations;
• must always be made by qualified human editors.

Editorial responsibility cannot be delegated to AI systems.

Detection and Investigation

The journal reserves the right to:

• Request clarification regarding AI use;
• Conduct additional screening of submissions;
• Investigate undisclosed or inappropriate AI use;
• Reject manuscripts that violate this policy.
• Failure to disclose significant AI use or misuse of AI technologies may result in editorial action.

Policy Compliance

All authors, reviewers, and editors are expected to comply with this policy as part of the journal’s broader commitment to research integrity, transparency, and ethical publishing.

Violations may lead to:

• Manuscript rejection;
• Withdrawal of submissions;
• Publication corrections;
• Retractions;
• Other appropriate editorial actions.

Policy Statement

The Journal of Performance Management supports the responsible and transparent use of Generative Artificial Intelligence in scholarly communication. While AI technologies can assist researchers and publishing professionals, human authors, reviewers, and editors remain fully accountable for the integrity, accuracy, originality, and ethical standards of all published content. The journal encourages innovation while safeguarding the credibility and trustworthiness of the scholarly record.