Generative AI and Technology-Assisted Writing Policy

1. Background and Purpose

The Journal of Strategic Innovation and Business Management (JSIBM) acknowledges the growing role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and AI-assisted technologies in supporting scholarly research and manuscript preparation. AI tools—when used responsibly—can contribute to improvements in language clarity, data processing, and research productivity. However, their use must be carefully managed to uphold the core principles of academic integrity, originality, transparency, and accountability.

This policy establishes JSIBM's position on the ethical and responsible use of AI tools across all stages of manuscript development, from research design to final submission. It draws on the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) Core Practices and its Discussion Documents on AI in academic publishing, and is intended to provide clear guidance for authors, reviewers, and editors alike.

2. Definition of AI Tools

For the purposes of this policy, AI tools refer to any digital system, platform, or software that uses artificial intelligence techniques—including machine learning (ML), natural language processing (NLP), and deep learning—to generate, analyze, translate, summarize, or modify textual, numerical, visual, or audio content in a research or writing context.

Examples include, but are not limited to:

Generative AI systems such as ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, and other large language models (LLMs)
Writing and grammar assistants such as Grammarly, DeepL Write, and Quillbot
AI-based data analysis and visualization platforms
AI tools used to generate images, graphs, or statistical models
Literature review and citation tools powered by AI

Basic spelling checkers, reference managers, standard formatting tools, and non-generative grammar-correction software do not normally fall within the scope of this policy and do not require disclosure.

3. Permitted and Prohibited Uses

a. Permitted Uses

Authors may use AI tools for the following supporting activities:

Improving grammar, spelling, punctuation, and readability
Reorganizing or refining text written by the authors
Translating author-written material, subject to human verification
Assisting in the development of an initial outline or structure
Supporting data processing, statistical analysis, or coding tasks
Generating basic visual aids or illustrations, if ethically sourced and reviewed
Conducting initial literature searches

b. Prohibited Uses

AI tools must not be used to:

Generate entire manuscripts or substantial portions of original content without proper attribution and critical human review
Fabricate, falsify, or manipulate data, images, or research findings
Automatically summarize or rephrase published works in ways that constitute plagiarism
Replace authors' scientific judgment, critical analysis, or interpretation of results
Create content that infringes on copyright or reproduces identifiable materials from third parties without permission

AI must not substitute for the authors' intellectual responsibility over the final manuscript.

4. Author Accountability and the Role of AI

AI tools, including generative AI systems, large language models, and chatbots, cannot be listed as authors, co-authors, or contributors. Authorship requires human accountability for the accuracy, integrity, originality, and ethical conduct of the work.

Including AI tools in the author list, author notes, or contributor statements is strictly prohibited and may result in desk rejection or retraction of the published article.

All listed authors remain fully responsible for the content of the manuscript, including any material produced, revised, translated, processed, or analyzed with the assistance of AI tools.

5. Disclosure Requirements

Authors must disclose the use of generative AI or other substantial AI-assisted technologies whenever these tools have been used during research, data analysis, manuscript preparation, image production, or interpretation of results.

The disclosure must include, where applicable:

The name, version, and provider or developer of the AI tool
A clear description of the purpose and extent of its use
The date or period of use
How the authors reviewed, verified, and revised the AI-generated or AI-assisted output
A statement confirming that the authors take full responsibility for the accuracy, originality, and integrity of all AI-assisted content

Location of Disclosure

Depending on how AI tools were used, the disclosure must appear in one or more of the following sections:

Methods Section — if the tool contributed to data analysis, figure generation, coding, or other parts of the research methodology
Acknowledgments Section — if the tool was used to improve writing quality, translation, or formatting
Dedicated Statement — authors must include a separate section titled "Declaration of Generative AI and AI-Assisted Technologies"

Example Declaration

During the preparation of this manuscript, the authors used [name and version of AI tool] for [state the purpose, such as language editing, code assistance, or data analysis]. The authors reviewed, verified, and edited all AI-assisted content and take full responsibility for the accuracy, originality, and integrity of the final manuscript.

When no generative AI or substantial AI-assisted technology was used, authors may state:

The authors declare that no generative AI or substantial AI-assisted technology was used in the preparation of this manuscript.

6. AI as Part of the Research Method

When an AI system forms an integral part of the research methodology, its use must be clearly described in the Methods section with sufficient detail for readers, reviewers, and editors to understand how it was applied and, where feasible, reproduce the process.

Relevant information to include:

The name and provider of the AI system
The model and version used
The date the system was accessed
The data entered into the system and any preprocessing procedures
Relevant prompts, parameters, or settings applied
Validation and human-review procedures conducted
Known limitations and potential sources of bias
The role of the AI system in producing or interpreting the results

Long prompts, code, or technical details may be provided in supplementary material or deposited in an appropriate repository, provided doing so does not violate ethical, legal, privacy, or confidentiality requirements.

7. Verification of Content and AI-Generated Images

Verification of AI-Assisted Content

Authors are responsible for verifying all AI-assisted content before submission. Facts, calculations, interpretations, quotations, and references must be independently checked and confirmed by the authors.

AI-generated content must not be treated as an authoritative scientific source. Authors must read and cite the original sources supporting their claims. All references must be genuine, accurate, relevant, and consistent with JSIBM's reference style. Fabricated, unverifiable, or misleading references may result in rejection or further investigation.

AI-Generated or AI-Modified Images

AI-generated or AI-modified images, figures, audio, or video must not be presented as genuine research evidence.

AI tools must not be used to add, remove, conceal, fabricate, or selectively alter features in research images in ways that could mislead readers or misrepresent original data.

AI-generated or AI-modified visual material may only be considered when:

Its use is directly relevant to the research question or methodology
It is clearly disclosed in the manuscript
It does not misrepresent the original data
It complies with applicable legal and ethical requirements

Illustrative AI-generated images may be considered at the Editor's discretion and must be clearly identified as AI-generated in the figure caption.

8. Data Privacy and Confidentiality Obligations

Authors must not enter confidential, personal, sensitive, proprietary, or unpublished information into an AI system unless they are authorized to do so and appropriate privacy, confidentiality, ethical, institutional, and data-protection safeguards are in place.

Authors must ensure that any use of AI is consistent with applicable ethical approvals, participant consent, and relevant data protection regulations.

9. Editorial Oversight and Consequences of Non-Compliance

Review and Monitoring by Editors

Editors and peer reviewers will evaluate AI disclosures as part of the manuscript's ethical and methodological assessment. JSIBM does not rely solely on automated detection software to assess the origin of content; all assessments will involve human oversight and direct communication with authors.

If undisclosed or inappropriate AI use is suspected, the editorial office may:

Request clarification or revision from the authors
Reject the manuscript at any stage of review
Refer the case to the author's institution or initiate a formal investigation if misconduct is suspected

Consequences of Non-Compliance

Failure to comply with this policy may result in:

Rejection of the manuscript at any stage of review
Retraction of the article after publication
Notification of the author's institution in cases of suspected misconduct
A ban on future submissions by the author if misuse is severe or repeated

Responsibility and Publication Ethics

Authors remain fully responsible for the accuracy, originality, integrity, and ethical compliance of their submitted work. Inappropriate or undisclosed use of AI may constitute a breach of publication ethics and may result in editorial action in accordance with JSIBM policies.

10. Appeals, Policy Updates, and Ethical Framework

Appeals and Dispute Resolution

If an author disputes an editorial decision related to AI usage, they may submit a formal written appeal to the Editor-in-Chief. The appeal must clearly explain the nature of the disagreement, provide supporting evidence, and reference this policy. Appeals will be reviewed by an internal ethics panel or referred to an independent COPE consultant if necessary.

AI Use by the Editorial Team

JSIBM does not use AI tools to make autonomous editorial or peer review decisions. Any future use of AI by the editorial team will be disclosed transparently and will always involve human verification and final decision-making.

Living Policy and Future Revisions

As AI technologies continue to evolve, this policy will be reviewed and updated regularly to reflect new developments, risks, and community standards. Authors are advised to consult this policy before submitting a manuscript and to contact the editorial office with any questions regarding compliance.