Policy on Anonymization, Confidentiality, and Informed Consent for Research Participants

Jinnah Business Review (JBR) is committed to upholding the highest ethical standards in research involving human participants, in accordance with the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) guidelines. This policy outlines the requirements for anonymization, confidentiality, and informed consent to protect participants' rights, privacy, and dignity.

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1. Anonymization of Data

1.1. Principles

a) All identifying details of participants (e.g., names, contact information, locations, organizational affiliations) must be removed or altered to ensure anonymity.

b) Pseudonyms or codes should replace identifiable information in datasets, transcripts, and published materials.

1.2. Exceptions

a) If participants consent to being identified (e.g., in case studies), authors must provide explicit written permission from the participants and justify the necessity of identification.

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2. Confidentiality

2.1. Data Protection

a) Authors must ensure that participants' data are stored securely and accessible only to authorized researchers.

b) Data should be anonymized or aggregated in publications to prevent indirect identification.

2.2. Limitations

a) Authors must inform participants of any limitations to confidentiality (e.g., legal obligations to report unlawful activities).

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3. Informed Consent

3.1. General Requirements

a) Informed consent must be obtained from all participants prior to their involvement in the research.

b) The consent process must include:

i. A clear explanation of the research purpose, procedures, risks, and benefits.

ii. The right to withdraw at any time without penalty.

iii. Information on how participants' data will be used, stored, and published.

3.2. Documentation

a) Consent must be documented in writing (e.g., signed forms) or via audio recording, where applicable.

b) Authors must retain consent forms and provide them to JBR upon request.

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4. Consent for Use of Personal Data, Images, and Audio

4.1. Specific Consent for Identifiable Materials

a) If a manuscript includes identifiable images, audio, video, or personal data (e.g., direct quotes, photographs), authors must obtain specific written consent for their use in publication.

b) Participants must be informed of the context in which these materials will appear and the potential for global, indefinite dissemination.

4.2. Withdrawal of Consent

a) Participants retain the right to withdraw consent for the use of their data or identifiable materials until the manuscript is accepted for publication.

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5. Manuscript Submission Requirements

Authors must include the following in their submitted manuscripts:

a) Statement of Ethical Approval:

i. Name of the ethics committee that approved the study.

ii. Approval reference number and date.

b) Informed Consent Statement:

i. A declaration confirming that informed consent was obtained from all participants.

ii. For identifiable materials: A statement confirming specific consent for publication.

Example Statements:

Ethical Approval: This study was approved by the [Name of Ethics Committee] of [Institution] (Reference No: [Number]).

Informed Consent: Informed consent was obtained from all participants. Participants consented to the publication of anonymized data. For identifiable images/audio, specific written consent was obtained.

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6. Non-Compliance

a) Failure to adhere to this policy will result in:

i. Rejection of the manuscript.

ii. Retraction of published articles.

iii. Notification of the authors' institution(s) in cases of severe ethical breaches.

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7. Contact

For questions or concerns regarding this policy, contact:

Editorial Office, Jinnah Business Review

Email: jbr@cust.edu.pk

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This policy aligns with COPE's guidelines on "Ethical Oversight" and "Informed Consent." JBR prioritizes the protection of participants' rights and the integrity of published research.