Indonesian Journal of Educational Management and Leadership (IJEMAL) requires authors, reviewers, editors, and other individuals involved in the editorial and publication process to disclose any conflict of interest or competing interest that could reasonably influence, or be perceived as influencing, the research, peer-review process, or editorial decision.

A conflict of interest does not necessarily indicate misconduct. However, transparency in identifying and managing potential conflicts is essential to maintaining the fairness, independence, and objectivity of the journal's editorial and peer-review processes.

1. Authors

Authors must disclose any financial, professional, personal, institutional, or other interests that could reasonably be perceived as influencing the research, analysis, interpretation, or presentation of the findings.

Potential conflicts may include, but are not limited to:

• financial interests, funding, grants, or other forms of financial support;
• employment or professional relationships;
• close personal or family relationships;
• institutional affiliations or responsibilities;
• consultancy or advisory relationships;
• intellectual property interests, including patents;
• academic or professional competition; and
• other circumstances that could reasonably affect the impartiality of the research or its interpretation.

Where no relevant conflict exists, authors should provide an appropriate conflict-of-interest declaration stating that there are no conflicts of interest to disclose.

2. Reviewers

Reviewers must disclose any actual, potential, or perceived conflict of interest before accepting a review assignment.

Reviewers should decline to review a manuscript when a conflict could reasonably affect the objectivity, independence, or confidentiality of their assessment. Potential conflicts may include recent collaboration with the authors, close personal or professional relationships, institutional affiliation, academic competition, or other circumstances that could compromise impartiality.

Reviewers must not use unpublished information obtained through the peer-review process for personal, professional, or competitive advantage.

3. Editors

Editors must disclose and appropriately manage any conflict of interest relating to a manuscript, its authors, or its research.

Editors must not handle manuscripts in which they have a conflict of interest. When a conflict exists, the manuscript should be assigned to another qualified and independent editor.

Editors should also avoid using confidential information obtained through the editorial process for personal or professional advantage.

4. Publisher and Journal-Level Conflicts

The publisher and journal management should disclose and appropriately manage circumstances that could create a conflict between institutional, financial, or commercial interests and editorial independence.

The publisher does not interfere with editorial decisions concerning the acceptance, revision, or rejection of manuscripts.

5. Handling Conflicts of Interest

Disclosure of a conflict of interest does not automatically prevent publication or participation in the editorial process. The Editor will assess the nature and significance of the disclosed conflict and determine appropriate measures to ensure that the review and editorial decision remain fair, independent, and objective.

Depending on the circumstances, appropriate measures may include:

• assigning the manuscript to an independent editor;
• appointing an alternative reviewer;
• requesting additional disclosure from the authors;
• providing a conflict-of-interest statement in the published article; or
• taking other reasonable measures necessary to protect the integrity of the editorial process.

6. Post-Publication Conflicts

Conflicts of interest that are identified after publication should be reported to the Editor as soon as possible.

The Editor will assess the significance of the undisclosed conflict and determine whether an editorial action is necessary. Where appropriate, IJEMAL may publish a correction, clarification, or other editorial notice to ensure transparency and protect the integrity of the scholarly record.

IJEMAL follows recognized publication-ethics principles, including relevant Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) guidelines and recommendations, in identifying and managing conflicts of interest involving authors, reviewers, editors, publishers, and other parties involved in scholarly publishing.