Submissions

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Author Guidelines

Overview

The Journal of Integrative Leadership Studies (JILS) welcomes submissions that explore leadership as a human act of influence, growth, and connection. We invite contributions from scholars, educators, parents, mentors, practitioners, and students who examine how people lead, formally or informally, professionally or personally.

JILS values interdisciplinary inquiry and accepts work from fields such as education, psychology, sociology, organizational behavior, communication, human development, and family studies.
We particularly encourage submissions that connect theory with lived experience or practice.

All manuscripts undergo double-blind peer review to ensure fairness, rigor, and alignment with the journal’s mission.

Authors are invited to make a submission to this journal. All submissions will be assessed by an editor to determine whether they meet the aims and scope of this journal. Those considered to be a good fit will be sent for peer review before determining whether they will be accepted or rejected.

Before making a submission, authors are responsible for obtaining permission to publish any material included with the submission, such as photos, documents and datasets. All authors identified on the submission must consent to be identified as an author. Where appropriate, research should be approved by an appropriate ethics committee in accordance with the legal requirements of the study's country.

An editor may desk reject a submission if it does not meet minimum standards of quality. Before submitting, please ensure that the study design and research argument are structured and articulated properly. The title should be concise and the abstract should be able to stand on its own. This will increase the likelihood of reviewers agreeing to review the paper. When you're satisfied that your submission meets this standard, please follow the checklist below to prepare your submission.

Submission Preparation Checklist

All submissions must meet the following requirements.

  • This submission meets the requirements outlined in the Author Guidelines.
  • This submission has not been previously published, nor is it before another journal for consideration.
  • All references have been checked for accuracy and completeness.
  • All tables and figures have been numbered and labeled.
  • Permission has been obtained to publish all photos, datasets and other material provided with this submission.

  • I understand that there is no fee to submit a manuscript to the Journal of Integrated Leadership Studies (JILS). However, if my submission is accepted for publication, I agree to pay the Article Processing Charge (APC) of $295 (USD) prior to publication, as outlined in the journal’s Author Fees & Payment Policy.

     

Invited Dialogues & Commentaries

Peer Reviewed: No (Editorial Review)

Short contributions, interviews, or commentary pieces that respond to previously published articles or address emerging issues in leadership studies. This section promotes interdisciplinary conversation and reflective dialogue among scholars and practitioners. 

Research Articles

Original empirical research articles that contribute to the advancement of leadership studies. Submissions may employ quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-methods approaches and should clearly articulate theoretical grounding, methodological rigor, and implications for practice or policy. 

Theoretical & Conceptual Papers

Manuscripts that offer innovative theoretical insights, synthesize existing frameworks, or propose integrative models of leadership across disciplines and cultures. Conceptual papers should demonstrate scholarly depth and originality while emphasizing practical relevance and ethical implications. 

Applied Insights & Case Studies

Practice-based manuscripts illustrating leadership in action through program evaluations, organizational case studies, or community-based projects. Submissions should include contextual background, methodology (if applicable), outcomes, and lessons learned. Applied papers should demonstrate how evidence and reflection advance effective leadership practice. 

Reflective Essays

Peer Reviewed: Optional (Editor’s discretion)

Thoughtful, narrative-based essays that explore leadership as a lived experience. Topics may include ethical dilemmas, personal transformation, or relational leadership moments in professional or community settings. These essays should connect personal insight to broader leadership principles. 

Book & Media Reviews

Peer Reviewed: No

Analytical reviews of recent books, films, podcasts, or other media addressing leadership, education, or social influence. Reviews should provide critical evaluation, relevance to the field, and insight into the work’s contribution to leadership discourse. 

Student Submissions (Emerging Scholars Series)

Peer Reviewed: Yes (Developmental Review)

This section highlights work from graduate and doctoral students engaging in leadership research or applied practice. Submissions may include dissertation proposals, pilot studies, program evaluations, or conceptual frameworks in development. All manuscripts undergo a two-phase developmental review: (1) a formative peer review offering constructive feedback on structure, design, and clarity, and (2) a standard double-blind review to determine publication readiness. Students must include a faculty mentor endorsement confirming academic integrity and ethical compliance (IRB documentation when applicable).  Published papers appear in the Emerging Scholars Series, with faculty mentors acknowledged.

Copyright Notice

Authors publishing in the Journal of Integrated Leadership Studies (JILS) agree to the following terms:

  1. Authors retain copyright of their work and grant JILS the right of first publication.

  2. All articles are distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0), which permits sharing and adaptation of the work, provided appropriate credit is given to the author and source.

  3. Authors are encouraged to post their published articles online (e.g., institutional repositories, personal websites) with proper citation to JILS to maximize accessibility and scholarly impact.

  4. Authors confirm that their submission is original, not under consideration elsewhere, and free of plagiarism or ethical violations.

  5. Authors accept responsibility for obtaining permissions for any copyrighted materials used within their work.

License Reference:
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

 

 

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