Editor as Good Steward of Manuscript Submissions: 'Culture,' Tone, and Procedures

This article examines the issue of fair treatment of authors of manuscripts submitted to academic journals. Criteria of fairness and the means to achieve them are set forth. The latter include the 'culture' established with referees by the journal editor, the nature and tone of correspondence, and procedures employed. Further, indicators of the success of these efforts are presented, as well as the position that treating authors fairly is not only the right thing to do but also is good for the journal. This is done in the context of a sixteen-year case study of an academic management journal that uses a double-blind referee process.