Retraction and Correction

Sulaiman: Journal of Leadership (SJL) is committed to maintaining the accuracy, integrity, and reliability of the scholarly record. The journal recognizes that published articles may occasionally require correction or, in serious circumstances, retraction. All correction and retraction decisions are handled carefully and transparently by the editorial team in accordance with established publication ethics and scholarly publishing principles.

Corrections

A correction may be issued when an error is identified in a published article that affects the accuracy, clarity, or completeness of the publication but does not invalidate the main findings or conclusions.

Corrections may include, but are not limited to:

  • Errors in author names, affiliations, or other bibliographic information.
  • Typographical or formatting errors that may affect interpretation.
  • Errors in tables, figures, references, or supplementary information.
  • Minor factual or methodological errors that do not invalidate the principal findings.
  • Other substantive inaccuracies that can be corrected without withdrawing the article.

When a correction is necessary, SJL will publish a formal correction notice linked to the original article. The original article will normally remain available to preserve the scholarly record, with the correction clearly indicated.

Retraction

An article may be considered for retraction when there is substantial evidence that its findings, methodology, authorship, or publication process is seriously compromised. Grounds for retraction may include:

  • Fabrication or falsification of research data.
  • Serious methodological errors that invalidate the findings or conclusions.
  • Plagiarism or substantial unattributed use of another person's work.
  • Duplicate or redundant publication.
  • Significant ethical violations involving research participants or research conduct.
  • Manipulation of the peer-review or publication process.
  • Serious authorship or contribution-related misconduct.
  • Undisclosed conflicts of interest that materially affect the validity or interpretation of the article.
  • Other circumstances that substantially undermine the reliability or integrity of the published work.

Retraction does not necessarily imply misconduct by the authors. An article may be retracted when the published record is determined to be unreliable, regardless of whether the problem resulted from intentional misconduct, honest error, or other circumstances.

Retraction Procedure

When a potential problem is identified, the Editor-in-Chief or editorial team will conduct an appropriate preliminary assessment. Where necessary, the authors and relevant institutions may be contacted to obtain clarification or supporting evidence.

If retraction is considered necessary, the editorial team will evaluate the available evidence and make a decision based on the seriousness and reliability of the issue. A formal retraction notice will be published when an article is retracted. The notice will clearly identify the retracted article and provide the reason for the retraction.

The original article will remain part of the journal's scholarly record where technically possible, but it will be clearly marked as Retracted. The retraction notice will be permanently linked to the original publication.

Post-Publication Concerns

Readers, authors, reviewers, or other members of the academic community who identify a significant error or potential ethical concern in a published article are encouraged to contact the editorial team with relevant evidence.

SJL will review legitimate concerns objectively and confidentially. Where appropriate, the journal may issue a correction, expression of concern, or retraction depending on the nature and severity of the issue.

The journal is committed to ensuring that corrections and retractions are handled transparently, consistently, and responsibly in order to protect the integrity of the academic record.