From the Editor
Dail Fields
Servant leadership is a concept that generally evokes a range of reactions from the very positive (“Yes! That’s what this organization needs!”) to the less positive (“What is it–but a contradiction in terms?”). Anything that controversial clearly needs to be studied. This special issue represents the work of several scholars to do just that. The papers included were compiled from over 20 studies presented in August 2006 at a conference held annually at Regent University. The Servant Leadership Roundtable brings together seasoned academics and young developing scholars to discuss and debate aspects of research related to the nature and outcomes of servant leadership. The research in this field of leadership, first described by Jesus, continues to develop and grow. I want to thank our guest editors Kathleen Patterson, who makes sure the Servant Leadership Roundtable happens, and Mihai Bocarnea, who is the director of Regent University’s Ph.D. program in Organizational Leadership. I hope you will find their selections informative and stimulating.

From the Special Edition Editors

Kathleen Patterson & Mihai Bocarnea
This issue is a special edition that showcases servant leadership research that was recently presented at Regent University’s Servant Leadership Research Roundtable in August 2006. We are pleased to have participated in the roundtable and further pleased to now bring you a sampling of the work that was presented. The articles you will find are both enlightening and informative and add to the growing literature base on servant leadership. The first article assesses six essential servant leadership themes and team effectiveness. Following this, the second article seeks to assess servant leadership from a philosophical point of view and a worldview perspective. Another article includes a look into an American auto dealership and the role of servant leadership in the succession planning process. Finally, an article is presented which looks into how servant leadership is related to trust and team commitment. Our thanks go to the authors for the diligence in their servant leadership research. Furthermore, we are grateful to those of you who have continued the high interest that has been surrounding the servant leadership literature. We trust you will enjoy this special IJLS edition.

Please note: Views and opinions expressed in the articles published in the International Journal of Leadership Studies (IJLS) represent each author's research and viewpoint and do not necessarily represent IJLS or its sponsors. IJLS and its sponsors make no representations about the accuracy of the information contained in published manuscripts and disclaims any and all responsibility or liability resulting from the information contained in the IJLS.