Reviewer Management

Overview

At LSJMISS, an effective and ethical reviewer management system is central to upholding our commitment to academic excellence, peer review integrity, and inclusive scholarship. Our structured reviewer framework ensures that all manuscripts are evaluated fairly, rigorously, and efficiently by qualified experts across management, innovation, and social sciences.

1. Reviewer Recruitment and Selection

Subject Expertise

Reviewers are selected based on:

  • Specialized knowledge in relevant disciplines (e.g., management, innovation, economics, sociology, education, public policy)

  • Peer-reviewed publication history

  • Familiarity with qualitative and/or quantitative research methods

  • Academic qualifications and research engagement

Diversity and Representation

LSJMISS maintains a diverse reviewer pool in terms of geographic location, gender, institution, and career stage to ensure equitable perspectives and mitigate bias.

Invitation to Review

Each reviewer invitation includes:

  • Manuscript title and abstract

  • Expected review timeframe (usually 2–4 weeks)

  • A prompt for conflict of interest disclosure

Reviewers may accept or decline based on availability and relevance.

Reviewer Database

Reviewers are sourced through:

  • Internal editorial board recommendations

  • Published literature in relevant fields

  • Academic conferences and seminars

  • Author referrals and volunteer applications

2. Reviewer Assignment Process

Double-Blind Review

To promote impartiality, LSJMISS uses a double-blind peer review system:

  • Reviewer identities remain confidential to authors

  • Author identities are hidden from reviewers

Workload Management

Editor teams ensure balanced reviewer workloads, preventing burnout and maintaining quality feedback.

Inclusivity of Early-Career Scholars

Promising early-career researchers may be invited as reviewers under editorial mentorship, fostering professional growth and community development.

3. Reviewer Expectations and Guidelines

Evaluation Criteria

Reviewers are expected to assess manuscripts for:

  • Originality and scholarly contribution

  • Theoretical framework and research design

  • Analytical depth and interpretation

  • Alignment with journal scope and themes

  • Adherence to ethical standards and reporting guidelines

Timeliness

Reviewers should complete evaluations within 2–4 weeks. Extensions may be granted, but prolonged delays may result in manuscript reassignment.

Confidentiality

Reviewers must:

  • Treat manuscripts as confidential documents

  • Refrain from using unpublished content for personal or academic gain

  • Avoid discussing the manuscript with unauthorized individuals

Ethical Responsibility

Reviewers must report:

  • Suspected plagiarism or data manipulation

  • Authorship or ethical misconduct

  • Any conflict of interest affecting impartiality

4. Communication and Support

Editorial Assistance

Editors are available to:

  • Clarify expectations or review criteria

  • Assist with technical or access issues

  • Mediate any concerns during the review process

Recognition and Appreciation

LSJMISS recognizes reviewer contributions by:

  • Publishing an annual list of reviewers (with consent)

  • Providing certificates of appreciation (on request)

  • Offering opportunities for editorial board membership

5. Quality Assurance in Peer Review

Performance Evaluation

Each review is assessed based on:

  • Constructiveness and detail

  • Objectivity and tone

  • Timeliness and reliability

Consistently poor-quality or unethical reviews may result in removal from the reviewer pool.

Handling Conflicting Reviews

In cases of conflicting opinions:

  • A third reviewer may be appointed

  • The handling editor may make a reasoned final decision

Reviewer Retention

Reviewers who consistently provide high-quality evaluations are prioritized for future assignments and may be considered for editorial roles.

6. Reviewer Development and Incentives

Skill Building and Training

LSJMISS supports reviewer development through:

  • Webinars and workshops on ethical reviewing

  • Reviewer mentoring initiatives

  • Access to reviewer guidelines and resources

Incentives

The journal offers or is exploring:

  • Discounts on APCs for reviewers who later publish with LSJMISS

  • Fast-track consideration of reviewer-authored papers

  • Recognition on LinkedIn or journal website (with consent)

7. Managing Conflicts and Misconduct

Conflict of Interest Disclosure

Reviewers must disclose any:

  • Financial ties

  • Personal or institutional relationships with authors

  • Academic rivalries

Alternate reviewers will be assigned where conflicts exist.

Misconduct Handling

Reviewer misconduct includes:

  • Breach of confidentiality

  • Biased or unprofessional language

  • Unauthorized use of manuscript content

Such issues are reviewed by the editorial board and may result in:

  • Formal warning or removal

  • Notification to institutions

  • Reporting to COPE, if required

Conclusion

The LSJMISS Reviewer Management Policy ensures that each manuscript is evaluated equitably, professionally, and transparently. By fostering a skilled and diverse reviewer network, we reinforce the journal’s mission to publish high-impact, interdisciplinary research that advances knowledge and practice in management, innovation, and social sciences.