Situation
Misha Irons, an editor, has had difficulty securing reviewers for a paper. Eight requests have been declined in a period of seven months. Finally two reviewers accept the request, but they are very tardy in reviewing the paper. The editor keeps Vern Dickenson, the author, informed about the status of the submission. After nine months Dickenson complains to Irons that a tenure decision is forthcoming and a decision is needed.
Questions
- What are Irons’ responsibilities to Dickenson?
Discussion
Irons might continue to press the reviewers, using moral persuasion to get the referees to review the paper. If Professor Irons tries to get other reviewers, he knows that starting the process over tends to prolong the review even further. He should consider notifying the author of the right to withdraw the submission.
