arbiter
JournalsAccount

Operationalizing GenAI: a framework protocol for auditable and responsible GenAI use in academic research

Tarik Doğru et al.

International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management2026https://doi.org/10.1108/ijchm-06-2025-0837article
AJG 3ABDC A
Weight
0.37

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this study is twofold: First, to document current generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) opinions and practices among leading hospitality and tourism scholars; and second, to introduce the Generative AI Research Integration Framework (GRAIF) as a systematic methodology for a transparent, stage-specific use in academic research. The authors further illustrate the GRAIF’s feasibility through self-application to provide an auditable template for researchers. Design/methodology/approach Thirty-one leading hospitality and tourism scholars (journal editors, full professors and methods specialists) responded to eight open-ended questions on GenAI in academic research. Several themes are identified based on participants” responses using ChatGPT. Then, the authors manually reviewed the data and revised and refined the initial themes generated by ChatGPT. Findings Developed from expert consensus among 31 editors and prominent scholars, the authors introduced the GRAIF, which offers a transparent, auditable, six-module workflow protocol. The GRAIF protocol can guide researchers on where and how GenAI can be used, and transparently informs reviewers, editors and other stakeholders about how GenAI was used in the research process. Practical implications The GRAIF protocol offers flexible adoption, wherein researchers can use specific modules, such as Module W for writing and editing or Module A for analysis and coding. PhD supervisors can embed the GRAIF as an AI use compliance sheet in proposals for early alignment and planning. Similarly, journal editors can request from authors to submit a GRAIF sheet to assure responsible and transparent use of GenAI, and to facilitate effective manuscript evaluation. Originality/value This study makes a significant contribution to academic practice by providing a practical and auditable solution that goes beyond the fragmented and often divergent guidelines currently available for GenAI use in academic research. In doing so, this study addresses a critical gap in responsible GenAI use aiming for enhanced research transparency and rigor.

1 citation

Open via your library →

Cite this paper

https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1108/ijchm-06-2025-0837

Or copy a formatted citation

@article{tarik2026,
  title        = {{Operationalizing GenAI: a framework protocol for auditable and responsible GenAI use in academic research}},
  author       = {Tarik Doğru et al.},
  journal      = {International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management},
  year         = {2026},
  doi          = {https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1108/ijchm-06-2025-0837},
}

Paste directly into BibTeX, Zotero, or your reference manager.

Flag this paper

Operationalizing GenAI: a framework protocol for auditable and responsible GenAI use in academic research

Flags are reviewed by the Arbiter methodology team within 5 business days.

Evidence weight

0.37

Balanced mode · F 0.40 / M 0.15 / V 0.05 / R 0.40

F · citation impact0.16 × 0.4 = 0.06
M · momentum0.53 × 0.15 = 0.08
V · venue signal0.50 × 0.05 = 0.03
R · text relevance †0.50 × 0.4 = 0.20

† Text relevance is estimated at 0.50 on the detail page — for your query’s actual relevance score, open this paper from a search result.