Macdonald, S; Kam, J Ring a ring o' roses: Quality journals and gamesmanship in management studies JOURNAL OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES, 44 (4): 640-655 JUN 2007

[Eugene Garfield]

E-mail Address: s.macdonald at sheffield.ac.uk 

Author(s): Macdonald, S (Macdonald, Stuart); Kam, J (Kam, Jacqueline) 

Title: Ring a ring o' roses: Quality journals and gamesmanship in 
management studies 

Source: JOURNAL OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES, 44 (4): 640-655 JUN 2007 

Language: English 

Document Type: Review 

Keywords Plus: RESEARCH ASSESSMENT EXERCISE; INSTITUTIONAL RESEARCH 
PRODUCTIVITY; R-AND-R; CITATION ANALYSIS; BUSINESS SCHOOLS; STRATEGIC 
MANAGEMENT; RESEARCH SELECTIVITY; UK UNIVERSITIES; PROPER ROLES; 
REFLECTIONS 

Abstract: A paper in one of the quality journals of Management Studies is 
much more important as a unit of measurement than as a contribution to 
knowledge. It measures academic performance and determines much academic 
funding. There is consequently some pressure to publish in quality 
journals. But quality journals are defined in terms that are themselves 
defined in terms of quality journals - a circularity that explains both 
the paper's title and the frustration of those who do not mix in these 
circles. We examine the gamesmanship of publishing in quality journals. 
Findings from a survey of heads of Management Studies departments in UK 
universities suggest that such gamesmanship is common. Cunning and 
calculation now support scholarship in Management Studies. Gamesmanship 
will remain common until the rewards for publishing attach to the content 
of papers, to what is published rather than where it is published. We 
propose a 'Tinkerbell Solution': without belief in the value of a paper in 
a quality journal, the game is no longer worth playing. 

Addresses: Univ Sheffield, Sch Management, Sheffield S1 4DT, S Yorkshire, 
England; Univ Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TH, Avon, England 

Reprint Address: Macdonald, S, Univ Sheffield, Sch Management, 9 Mappin 
St, Sheffield S1 4DT, S Yorkshire, England. 

Cited Reference Count: 114 

Times Cited: 7 

Publisher: BLACKWELL PUBLISHING 

Publisher Address: 9600 GARSINGTON RD, OXFORD OX4 2DQ, OXON, ENGLAND 

ISSN: 0022-2380 

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