The formal aspect of scholarly communication, which involves publishing articles in peer-reviewed journals, serves various purposes beyond simple dissemination of information. It plays a crucial role in establishing a cohesive and reputable network of knowledge. Published articles serve as prima facie evidence of the quality and impact of the authors' research and, by extension, the institutions supporting them. They also exemplify and support the scientific method. Given these reasons and more, it is essential to establish standards of expected ethical behavior for all parties involved in the publishing process, including authors, journal editors, peer reviewers, publishers, and society-owned or sponsored journals. These standards encompass treating each other with respect, dignity, and fairness, while rejecting discrimination, harassment, bullying, or retaliation.

While these guidelines are primarily intended for primary research journals, they may also be applicable to review articles and other professional publications. Individual journals often have more detailed or specific ethical procedures outlined in their Guide for Authors. Additionally, many journals participate in discipline-specific standards or standard-setting bodies, such as the International Council of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) and the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT).

For quick access to relevant resources, please refer to the following links:

•    Publishing Ethics Resource Kit (PERK)
•    Ethics on Researcher Academy