Editors of French journal on corporate responsibility resign after ownership transfer

Fifteen editors at French journal Revue de l’Organisation Responsable have resigned following its acquisition by a Chinese editing service, CNBesting Inc. Responsible Organization Review, or ROR, previously published by Editions ESKA, focuses on critical reflection on developments in capitalist society. The resignation came after the journal's editorial board was informed of the sale in late August, months after CNBesting already took control.

The editors expressed indignation and emotion over the "belated notification," stating they had no opportunity to discuss the implications of the future of ROR, its scientific mission, and editorial policy. CNBesting, based in Hangzhou, China, purchased ESKA’s publishing and distribution rights for €360,000 in August. The editors cited the introduction of a €1,350 article processing charge as a reason for their resignation, as the journal previously utilized a subscription model, making articles free to publish.

Former editors Charlène Arnaud and Lovasoa Ramboarisata, co-editors-in-chief, resigned along with other members. They expressed concern that the introduction of publication fees might incentivize non-scientific criteria in paper evaluation. The former editors reorganized the editorial board, intending to collectively protect themselves.

They claim ESKA declined to meet with them regarding the sale. CNBesting's management team did not respond to inquiries regarding the journal or the company's role. "Under these circumstances, and effective immediately, we can no longer guarantee the journal's scientific and editorial integrity," the resignation letter stated. The resignation brings ESKA's total number of mass resignations to 58, with nine instances reported in 2023.