Publication Ethics

12 Waiheru is committed to fostering an ethical, transparent, and accountable scholarly publishing environment. The journal views knowledge production as a reflective and transformative process—much like the meaning of “Waiheru” itself, where clarity emerges through critical engagement. Therefore, maintaining integrity in every stage of publication is a shared responsibility among authors, reviewers, editors, and the publisher.

The journal aligns its ethical standards with internationally recognized guidelines, particularly those established by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE). Authors and contributors are encouraged to consult the principles of transparency and best practices in scholarly publishing available at:
COPE Principles of Transparency and Best Practice

12 Waiheru does not tolerate any form of academic misconduct, including plagiarism, data fabrication, data falsification, duplicate submission, or unethical authorship practices. The editorial team actively implements preventive and corrective mechanisms guided by COPE’s editorial resources:
COPE Ethics Toolkit for Editorial Practice

A. Publication and Authorship

All manuscripts submitted to 12 Waiheru are subject to a double-blind peer review process to ensure fairness and academic objectivity. Editorial decisions are made based on the intellectual merit of the work, including originality, methodological rigor, clarity of argumentation, and relevance to the journal’s scope.

Submissions must be original and must not have been published or submitted elsewhere in any form or language. Overlapping or redundant publications are not permitted. Acceptance is contingent upon compliance with ethical, legal, and academic standards, including proper acknowledgment of sources and avoidance of defamatory content.

While authors may be invited to revise and resubmit their manuscripts, such invitations do not imply guaranteed acceptance. Editorial decisions remain final.

B. Authors’ Responsibilities

  • Ensure that the manuscript represents original and authentic research
  • Confirm that the work has not been published or submitted elsewhere
  • Present data accurately and transparently without fabrication or manipulation
  • Properly cite and acknowledge all sources and intellectual contributions
  • Include only authors who have made significant academic contributions
  • Disclose any potential conflicts of interest
  • Engage constructively in the peer review and revision process
  • Report any significant errors discovered after publication and cooperate in corrections

Failure to comply with these responsibilities may result in rejection, retraction, or notification to relevant institutions.

C. Reviewers’ Responsibilities

Reviewers contribute critically to maintaining the quality and credibility of the journal. They are expected to:

  • Provide objective, fair, and constructive evaluations
  • Maintain strict confidentiality of all submitted materials
  • Support their assessments with clear academic reasoning
  • Identify relevant literature that has not been cited
  • Report any ethical concerns, including plagiarism or duplication
  • Decline review assignments in cases of conflict of interest

Reviewers must not use unpublished materials for personal advantage or research purposes.

D. Editors’ Responsibilities

Editors are responsible for safeguarding the integrity and quality of the publication process. Their duties include:

  • Making decisions based solely on academic merit and relevance
  • Ensuring a fair, unbiased, and timely review process
  • Maintaining confidentiality and reviewer anonymity
  • Addressing ethical issues in accordance with international standards
  • Preventing conflicts of interest among all parties
  • Issuing corrections, clarifications, or retractions when necessary

Editorial actions related to corrections or retractions follow COPE recommendations:
COPE Retraction Guidelines

E. Ethical Oversight and Handling of Misconduct

12 Waiheru continuously develops editorial procedures to identify and address ethical concerns at every stage of the publication process. In cases of suspected misconduct, the journal will:

  • Conduct a careful and impartial investigation
  • Provide authors with an opportunity to respond
  • Take appropriate actions, including rejection, correction, or retraction
  • Communicate with relevant institutions when necessary

F. Corrections, Retractions, and Post-Publication Dialogue

The journal is committed to preserving the integrity of the scholarly record. When necessary, corrections, expressions of concern, or retractions will be issued transparently in accordance with international best practices:
Guidelines on Retractions and Corrections

Closing Statement

By submitting to 12 Waiheru, all contributors agree to uphold the highest standards of ethical publishing. The journal not only functions as a medium for disseminating knowledge but also as a reflective space where ideas are examined, clarified, and responsibly developed for the advancement of education, training, and religious understanding in a global context.