Professional Conduct, Coercion and Improper Pressure Policy (PCCIPP)

Professional Conduct, Coercion and Improper Pressure Policy (PCCIPP)

Addendum to the IJBMRS Charter

Effective Date: 08 January 2026
Issuing Authority: Office of the Chairperson, IJBMRS
Administrative Authority: IJBMRS Research Secretariat (under Office of Research Secretariat(s), Ahmedabad Centre for Research Innovation)

1. Purpose

The Professional Conduct, Coercion and Improper Pressure Policy (PCCIPP) establishes clear standards of professional conduct within IJBMRS and prohibits coercive, intimidating, or bad-faith behavior intended to improperly influence institutional governance, editorial decisions, appointments, reviews, or personnel.

This policy exists to protect academic independence, institutional stability, and fair decision-making while preserving the right to principled and respectful disagreement.

2. Scope of Application

2.1 This policy applies to all individuals associated with IJBMRS, including those serving in:

• editorial roles;

• ethics and committee roles;

• advisory or representative roles;

• voluntary and honorary capacities;

• any current, former, or prospective appointment.

2.2 This policy applies during the term of association and after expiry or discontinuation where conduct relates to IJBMRS matters.

3. Core Principle

3.1 IJBMRS actively encourages:

• academic critique;

• principled disagreement;

• professional dissent;

• reasoned challenge to policy or process.

3.2 Such engagement must always be exercised in good faith, professional tone, and procedural respect.

3.3 Influence over IJBMRS decisions must never be pursued through coercion, intimidation, pressure tactics, or misuse of status.

4. Prohibited Conduct

The following actions constitute coercion or improper pressure and are prohibited:

4.1 Explicit or implicit threats of reputational, legal, institutional, or personal harm.

4.2 Ultimatums tied to non-academic consequences, including threats of public exposure, complaints, or disruption.

4.3 Attempts to leverage seniority, prominence, credentials, or external influence to force outcomes.

4.4 Repeated escalation, correspondence, or pressure after a matter has been formally reviewed and closed.

4.5 Bad-faith communication designed to intimidate, destabilize, exhaust, or overwhelm institutional processes.

4.6 Coordinated or indirect pressure through third parties acting on behalf of an individual.

5. Conduct Not Prohibited

The following actions do not constitute misconduct under this policy when carried out respectfully and in good faith:

5.1 Firm disagreement or principled objection to a decision or process.

5.2 Professional criticism of governance, policy, or procedure.

5.3 Declining, resigning from, or withdrawing from a role.

5.4 Expressing dissatisfaction or concern using appropriate channels and tone.

5.5 Requesting clarification, reconsideration, or correction supported by evidence.

6. Review and Handling Mechanism

6.1 Allegations under this policy shall be received and reviewed solely by the IJBMRS Research Secretariat.

6.2 Where necessary, matters may be escalated to the Office of the Chairperson for determination.

6.3 The review process may be documentation-based and does not require formal hearings unless deemed necessary.

6.4 Closure of a matter following review shall be final and binding within IJBMRS.

7. Outcomes and Measures

Where coercion or improper pressure is substantiated, IJBMRS may implement one or more of the following measures:

7.1 Issuance of a formal caution or written warning.

7.2 Suspension or discontinuation of any current role or appointment.

7.3 Restriction or disqualification from future appointments or affiliations.

7.4 Withdrawal of representational privileges or access, where applicable.

8. Relationship with Other Policies

8.1 This policy operates in conjunction with:

• the Appointment and Tenure Policy;

• the Role Acceptance and Activation Policy;

• the Voluntary and Honorary Roles Policy;

• the Official Representation and Public Claims Policy;

• the Email Identity and Digital Access Policy.

8.2 In case of conflict, the IJBMRS Charter shall prevail.

9. Interpretation and Final Authority

9.1 Interpretation of this policy rests exclusively with the Office of the Chairperson, IJBMRS.

9.2 This policy is binding on all current, former, and prospective associates of IJBMRS.

9.3 This policy forms an integral addendum to the IJBMRS Charter.

Issued by:
Office of the Chairperson
International Journal of Business and Management Research Studies (IJBMRS)