While focusing on the most valuable research, the collection takes an international perspective by drawing from the diverse geographic range of leadership research that is being conducted.

The articles are organized into a set of specific time-periods, Volume One examines major contributions published in the years between 1947 and 1985 and Volume Two covers the period 1987 to 1999. These two volumes include many of the classic articles which helped to establish leadership studies as a key field of study and research in its own right. Volume Three explores the period 2000 to 2005 and Volume Four examines more recent contributions drawn from the period 2005 to 2009. This final volume addresses emerging issues and points to future possible research paths.