The Hellenic Sociological Society is a scientific body, created in the aim of:
- Promoting scientific research in the field of Sociology
- Studying social phenomena and problems in Greek-speaking areas as well as globally
- Promoting the study of sociology in the national educational system
- Supporting practitioners of the science of Sociology at the individual and collective level
Offering its knowledge to society, the state, institutions, and the private sector.
The HSS operates as a forum networking and connecting Greek sociologists to the national and international scientific community, offering its members opportunities for scientific activities with the ultimate goal of furthering the purposes and the mission of the HSS itself. Members’ participation in its activities and individual initiatives are on a voluntary basis.
The GSA expects its members to adhere to specific principles. Commitment to such mutually shared principles supports collective awareness of ethical matters and sensitivity as regards the ethical code of the science we serve, aiming at higher standards of research and professional practice.
In publicizing the following Principles, we commit the HSS to furthering the science of Sociology on the basis of the ethical code of science and research among all sociologists, whether members of the HSS or not. These principles function as advisory recommendations and are not “graven in stone”. They exist to assist members of the HSS and if deemed necessary, may be modified after careful deliberation among peers.
In accordance with the above, the HSS considers the following principles to be generally accepted:
- Interaction between members must rest upon a basis of mutual respect and not violate the dignity and professional integrity of any individual.
- Conversations, discussions, and consultations will be conducted in a supportive and communal manner, without prejudice to any personality
- Communication between members will be conducted in the appropriate professional manner and tone
- No form of plagiarism will be tolerated
- Sociological research is conducted based on the Code of Ethics corresponding to each specific field of analysis
- In accordance with the principle of “open science”, the findings of sociological research are to be accessible to the general and specific public, unless valid reasons dictate otherwise.
- Financial, monetary, and other forms of support are openly acknowledged
Following the above, HSS members
- Actively seek to resolve any difference on an informal basis and if this fails, submit a memo and request for resolution to the Board of Administration.
- Are invited to follow ethical practices in taking decisions concerning research, teaching, dissemination, and publication of findings.
- Must acknowledge all persons who have contributed to the process of research, writing and publication as well as to include them as authors and co-authors whenever called for.
- Must observe the integrity of sociological research when carrying out private research activities.
- Commit to carrying out research contributing to the advance of scientific knowledge and the pursuit and safeguarding of scientific “truth” and impartiality.
- Carry the responsibility to take into consideration the interests of those implicated in their research, those influenced by their work and those using their findings. This wide range of responsibilities entails that during carrying out research and presenting findings, the plurality of values and beliefs associated with culture, age, gender, and other aspects of social complexity, as well as the provisions of the legal framework and policies against discrimination are taken into account.
- Attempt to anticipate and prevent any potentially negative consequences of their research. If such effects are identified, they are under the obligation to minimize them or take appropriated measures to restrict them.
- Must acknowledge and respect the limits of their professional potential, staying within the confines of their expertise and recognized fields of their vocation, without conferring scientific validity on material that, as sociologists and researchers, they would consider insufficient or biased.
- Must respect differences in opinions, theoretical orientations and methods amongst all their colleagues in the scientific sociological community.
- Bear the responsibility of maintaining high standards of scientific knowledge and methods in their fields of research and ensure that, at any given moment, they act professionally toward students, colleagues, research participants and sponsors.
- Report their research findings honestly, avoiding acts that may violate or diminish the rights of participant researchers, of the assigning party and the sponsors. Avoid creating false expectations concerning the impact of their research.
- Must protect their research findings from eventual misuse, even though they do nοt have direct control over them. Whenever possible, they must take appropriate measures to correct potential misuse or falsifying presentation of their findings.
- Are held accountable as regards the methodologies adopted in their work and are required to state the limitations of their research planning
- Must respect the subjects of their research, protect their wellbeing and personal data, and commit themselves to not use individuals merely as means for the purposes of their research. Treating participants with respect may involve the protection of the groups, communities, or organizations of which they are members.
- Must abide by the conditions protecting personal data provided by the existing legal framework, ensure that statements of confidentiality/anonymity are obtained, and that research data are safely stored.
- Must critically scrutinize research practices and/or research findings that may in any way prove detrimental to the outlook, experience, or cultures of the groups where research is/has been conducted.
- Must acknowledge the right of institutions financing research and publishers to be provided with adequate information regarding the scientific activities supported.
- Must publicize the institutional or organizational framework of their research.