Is this a conflict of interest? (reviewing an article)

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the ethical considerations of potential conflicts of interest when reviewing an article for a journal. Participants explore the implications of personal benefit from the publication of the paper and the responsibilities of the reviewer in such a scenario.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that the author cites them, which they consider not a significant issue, but they express concern about benefiting from the publication of a solution relevant to their own work.
  • Another participant suggests that if the reviewer has to question their impartiality, it indicates a potential conflict of interest.
  • Some participants argue that the journal's policies should guide the reviewer's actions, emphasizing the importance of transparency with the editors regarding any personal interests.
  • It is proposed that the reviewer could still gain insights from the paper even if they are not entirely objective, raising questions about the balance between personal benefit and professional duty.
  • One participant asserts that not considering the citation as a conflict of interest would disqualify many competent referees, suggesting that personal interest in the paper's publication could be seen as a positive aspect.
  • Another participant supports the idea of informing the editor about the reviewer's interest in the paper, arguing that it highlights the importance of the result.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on whether the situation constitutes a conflict of interest. While some advocate for transparency and informing the editor, others suggest that personal benefit does not inherently disqualify the reviewer from providing an objective assessment.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference the need to consider the journal's policies and the ethical implications of personal interests in the review process, but there is no consensus on how to navigate these complexities.

andresB
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A journal sent me an email asking me to be an adjudicator for one article since the two reviewers disagreed on their recommendations. I accepted based on the abstract. When reading the paper I found that

(a) The author is citing me, not a big deal I guess.

but

(b) The author gives a solution to a problem I've been struggling with for one of my own works. So, personally, I would benefit from this paper being published since I can then cite it in my own work. Is this a conflict of interest that I should inform the editors of the journal?
 
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If you have to ask, the answer is "yes".
 
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While Vanadium's response is a good heuristic, I'm not sure it should apply to this situation. First, see if the journal has any stated policies and follow those. Aside from that, it seems like the two facts given would correlate with the criteria editors are following when they are looking for reviewers---someone in the field (citing the prospective reviewer) who will know if the work is impactful (being cited by the prospective reviewer). I have to say that the incentives here don't seem malignant. It is in your interest that the work was done correctly since you want to use it in support of your own. In the end, follow the journal's policies, and if they have none, then your own conscience. You could always note to the editor your concerns before/when you submit your review and vote for/against publication.
 
andresB said:
(b) The author gives a solution to a problem I've been struggling with for one of my own works. So, personally, I would benefit from this paper being published since I can then cite it in my own work. Is this a conflict of interest that I should inform the editors of the journal?
So it sounds like you may not be able to be completely objective in your review of the paper. What if you side with the previous reviewer who said "no" to the paper? And if you do that, can you still gain insights that might help you in your own work?

It seems straightforward to inform the editors and see if they are still okay with you being the 3rd reviewer.
 
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If I had doubts on impartiality I would ask the editor. If I were an editor, I would definitely not consider (a) a conflict of interest (that would disqualify most actually competent referees working in my field). When it comes to (b) you have an interest in the paper being published if correct. You will probably also obtain the previous referee reports and have the opportunity to consider the points for and against publication raised in each.
 
i support informing the editor of your interest in the publication of this result, and would suggest that fact is itself an argument in favor of the importance and interest of the result. but informing the editor cannot be wrong, and not doing so seems wrong to me.
 
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