Misrepresent the level of contribution

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 20 views

Introduction

As an academic, navigating the complex world of research and publication can be a daunting task. The pressure to publish in reputable journals can be overwhelming, and the desire to collaborate with established scholars can be tempting. However, when a professor offers to be a co-author on your paper without contributing to the research or writing process, it raises important questions about authorship and ethics.

The Situation

You've spent countless hours researching and writing your manuscript, pouring your heart and soul into it. After submitting it to a reputable journal, you receive a desk reject from the Editor-in-Chief (EiC) due to what you perceive as careless reading. Feeling discouraged but not defeated, you decide to share your manuscript with a respected scholar in the field for an opinion. To your surprise, they not only like your work but also suggest that the desk reject might be due to bias based on the journal's editorial board.

The Professor's Offer

The scholar, who is also a professor, offers to be a co-author on your paper, citing their expertise and influence in the field as reasons why this would be beneficial. They assure you that their involvement would increase the paper's chances of being accepted by the journal, and that they would help facilitate the review process. However, when you ask them to contribute to the research or writing process, they decline, stating that they don't have time or that their role would be limited to providing a "stamp of approval."

The Ethical Concerns

This situation raises several ethical concerns related to authorship and publication. The most significant issue is the lack of contribution from the professor. As a co-author, they would be listed alongside you as a contributor to the research and writing process. However, if they're not contributing to the paper in any meaningful way, it's a clear case of honorary authorship.

Honorary authorship is a form of academic misconduct where individuals are added to the author list without making any significant contributions to the research or writing process. This practice is considered unethical because it can:

Misrepresent the level of contribution: By listing someone as a co-author who hasn't contributed, you're creating a false impression about the extent of their involvement in the research.
Undermine the credibility of the paper: If the professor's involvement is seen as a mere formality, it can damage the credibility of the paper and the journal that publishes it.
Perpetuate a culture of favoritism: When professors are added to author lists without contributing, it can create a culture of favoritism, where those with influence and connections are given preferential treatment.

The Consequences of Honorary Authorship

The consequences of honorary authorship can be severe. If the journal discovers that the professor hasn't contributed to the paper, it can lead to:

Retraction of the paper: The journal may retract the paper, which can damage your reputation and the reputation of the journal.
Loss of credibility: The incident can lead to a loss of credibility for the professor, the journal, and the academic community as a whole.
Damage to relationships: The situation can damage relationships between academics, journals, and publishers, making it more challenging to collaborate and publish in the future.

The Way Forward

So, what can you do in this situation? Here are some steps you can take:

Communicate with the professor: Have an open and honest conversation with the professor about your concerns. Explain that you value their opinion and expertise but that you're worried about the implications of honorary authorship.
Seek advice from a mentor or colleague: Talk to someone you trust about the situation and seek their advice. They may be able to provide valuable insights and guidance.
Consider alternative options: If the professor is unwilling to contribute to the paper, consider alternative options, such as seeking the advice of another scholar or collaborating with someone who can contribute to the research and writing process.

Conclusion

The situation you're facing is a complex one, and there are no easy answers. However, by being aware of the ethical concerns related to authorship and publication, you can make informed decisions that protect your reputation and the integrity of your research. Remember that honesty, transparency, and fairness are essential values in academic publishing, and that by upholding these values, you can maintain the trust and credibility of the academic community.

References

[1] "Authorship and Publication Ethics" by the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE)
[2] "Guidelines for Authors" by the American Psychological Association (APA)
[3] "The Ethics of Authorship" by the Journal of Medical Ethics

Additional Resources

[1] "Authorship and Publication Ethics" by the World Association of Medical Editors (WAME)
[2] "The Authorship Guidelines" by the National Institutes of Health (NIH)
[3] "The Ethics of Authorship" by the European Association of Science Editors (EASE)

Q&A: Authorship and Publication Ethics

Q: What is honorary authorship, and why is it a concern?

A: Honorary authorship is a form of academic misconduct where individuals are added to the author list without making any significant contributions to the research or writing process. This practice is considered unethical because it can misrepresent the level of contribution, undermine the credibility of the paper, and perpetuate a culture of favoritism.

Q: What are the consequences of honorary authorship?

A: The consequences of honorary authorship can be severe. If the journal discovers that the professor hasn't contributed to the paper, it can lead to retraction of the paper, loss of credibility, and damage to relationships between academics, journals, and publishers.

Q: How can I communicate with the professor about my concerns?

A: Have an open and honest conversation with the professor about your concerns. Explain that you value their opinion and expertise but that you're worried about the implications of honorary authorship. Be clear about your expectations and the importance of transparency and fairness in academic publishing.

Q: What are some alternative options if the professor is unwilling to contribute?

A: Consider seeking the advice of another scholar or collaborating with someone who can contribute to the research and writing process. You can also talk to someone you trust about the situation and seek their advice.

Q: What are some resources that can help me navigate this situation?

A: The International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE), the American Psychological Association (APA), and the World Association of Medical Editors (WAME) all have guidelines and resources available on authorship and publication ethics. You can also consult with a mentor or colleague who has experience with academic publishing.

Q: How can I maintain the trust and credibility of the academic community?

A: By upholding the values of honesty, transparency, and fairness in academic publishing, you can maintain the trust and credibility of the academic community. Be aware of the ethical concerns related to authorship and publication, and make informed decisions that protect your reputation and the integrity of your research.

Q: What are some best practices for authorship and publication?

A: Some best practices for authorship and publication include:

Clearly defining the roles and responsibilities of each author
Ensuring that all authors have contributed to the research and writing process
Being transparent about the contributions of each author
Avoiding honorary authorship and other forms of academic misconduct
Following the guidelines and policies of the journal and the academic community

Q: How can I report concerns about honorary authorship or other forms of academic misconduct?

A: If you have concerns about honorary authorship or other forms of academic misconduct, you can report them to the journal, the academic institution, or a professional organization. Be sure to follow the guidelines and procedures for reporting concerns, and provide evidence to support your claims.

Conclusion

Navigating the complex world of academic publishing can be challenging, but by being aware of the ethical concerns related to authorship and publication, you can make informed decisions that protect your reputation and the integrity of your research. Remember to uphold the values of honesty, transparency, and fairness, and to seek guidance from trusted sources when needed.