Academy of Management Journal – Management Journal Guide for Researchers

Why Researchers Choose Academy of Management Journal for High-Impact Publications

The Academy of Management Journal stands as a cornerstone in the field of management scholarship, renowned for its commitment to advancing theoretical and empirical insights into organizational phenomena. Established as a premier outlet, it attracts submissions from leading academics worldwide who seek to contribute groundbreaking research that shapes management practice and theory. With a storied legacy dating back to 1958, the journal has evolved into a vital resource for scholars exploring complex issues in organizational behavior, strategy, human resources, and international business. Its rigorous double-blind peer review process ensures that only the most innovative and methodologically sound studies see publication, fostering a reputation for excellence that is unmatched in the discipline.

Researchers are drawn to the Academy of Management Journal for its unparalleled impact and visibility. Boasting an impact factor of 11.837 according to the latest Clarivate Journal Citation Reports, it ranks among the top journals in business and management categories. This high citation rate reflects the journal's ability to influence both academic discourse and real-world applications, from corporate strategy formulations to leadership development programs. The journal's scope encompasses a broad array of management subfields, encouraging interdisciplinary approaches that integrate economics, psychology, and sociology to address contemporary challenges like sustainability, diversity, and digital transformation in organizations.

Publishing in the Academy of Management Journal not only elevates a researcher's career profile but also connects them to a global network of thought leaders. The journal's hybrid open access model allows authors to reach wider audiences, enhancing dissemination and potential collaborations. For early-career scholars, a publication here signals expertise and opens doors to tenure-track positions and funding opportunities. Seasoned researchers value its emphasis on theoretical contributions that push boundaries, often leading to seminal works cited across disciplines.

Beyond metrics, the journal's editorial standards promote ethical scholarship, with clear guidelines on data transparency and replicability. This focus builds trust in published findings, making it a preferred choice for those aiming to drive meaningful change in management education and practice. As organizations navigate an increasingly volatile global landscape, the insights from Academy of Management Journal provide actionable frameworks for executives and policymakers alike.

To explore how this journal aligns with your research goals, consider reviewing current calls for papers or connecting with the academic community. For those balancing research with career advancement, resources like management faculty jobs and academic calendar can help plan submissions around key deadlines. Additionally, check Rate My Professor for insights from peers or browse higher ed executive positions to see how publications influence leadership roles.

Overview & History

The Academy of Management Journal, often abbreviated as AMJ, was founded in 1958 by the Academy of Management, a professional association dedicated to advancing management scholarship. Initially launched to disseminate empirical research in management, it quickly gained prominence for its focus on rigorous, theory-driven studies. Over the decades, AMJ has published landmark articles that have defined key concepts in the field, such as resource-based view of the firm and institutional theory. Today, it remains a flagship publication of the Academy, with quarterly issues that feature cutting-edge research from diverse geographical and methodological perspectives. Its evolution reflects the discipline's growth, incorporating advancements in quantitative methods, qualitative inquiries, and mixed approaches to tackle evolving organizational realities.

Scope and Disciplines Covered

The Academy of Management Journal covers a wide spectrum of management topics, emphasizing original contributions that advance theory and practice. It welcomes manuscripts on organizational processes, structures, and behaviors across various contexts, including for-profit, nonprofit, and public sectors. Key areas include strategic management, human resource management, entrepreneurship, and operations. The journal prioritizes studies with strong theoretical foundations and implications for management scholarship.

DisciplineDescription
Organizational BehaviorExplores individual and group dynamics within organizations, including leadership, motivation, and team processes.
Strategic ManagementFocuses on firm-level strategies, competitive advantage, and corporate governance.
Human Resource ManagementCovers talent acquisition, performance management, and employee relations.
International BusinessAddresses cross-cultural management, global strategy, and multinational operations.
EntrepreneurshipExamines new venture creation, innovation, and small business dynamics.

Key Journal Metrics

The Academy of Management Journal's metrics underscore its elite status in management research. These indicators, sourced from reputable databases like Clarivate and Scopus, highlight its influence and selectivity.

MetricValueSource
Impact Factor (2023)11.837Clarivate JCR
5-Year Impact Factor13.250Clarivate JCR
CiteScore21.4Scopus
Acceptance Rate6.2%Journal Publisher Data
h-Index312Scopus

Indexing and Abstracting

Academy of Management Journal is extensively indexed, ensuring broad discoverability. It appears in Web of Science (Social Sciences Citation Index), Scopus, ABI/INFORM, and EBSCO databases. This coverage facilitates citations and accessibility for researchers globally, with abstracts available through Google Scholar and JSTOR. No open access mandates apply universally, but indexed content supports comprehensive literature reviews.

Publication Model and Fees

AMJ operates on a hybrid subscription model, where access to full articles requires institutional or individual subscriptions. Authors can opt for open access publication via the publisher's green or gold routes. Article Processing Charges (APCs) for open access are $3,000, waivable under certain conditions for authors from low-income countries. There are no fees for standard submissions or publication in the subscription format, making it accessible for a wide range of scholars. Page charges may apply post-acceptance to support production costs.

Submission Process and Guidelines

Submissions to Academy of Management Journal are handled through the ScholarOne Manuscripts platform at the official journal site. Authors must adhere to detailed guidelines, including a 40-page limit for manuscripts, APA-style formatting, and disclosure of conflicts. The process involves an initial editorial screening followed by double-blind peer review, typically taking 60-90 days for first decisions. Emphasize novelty, theoretical contribution, and methodological rigor in your cover letter. Resources for preparation include the journal's author guidelines and webinars on effective writing.

Editorial Board Highlights

The editorial team at Academy of Management Journal comprises distinguished scholars from top institutions. Editor-in-Chief Aaron Hill from the University of Oklahoma leads a board with expertise in diverse management areas. Notable members include experts in organizational theory from Wharton and strategy specialists from INSEAD. Their collective experience ensures balanced, high-quality reviews. Board members often contribute to special issues on emerging topics like AI in management.

Why Publish in Academy of Management Journal?

Publishing in AMJ offers researchers prestige and career acceleration. Its high impact factor boosts CVs for promotions and grants, while global readership amplifies influence. The journal's focus on impactful theory bridges academia and practice, appealing to those seeking real-world relevance. Compared to peers, AMJ's selectivity ensures exclusivity, and its network fosters collaborations. For career-oriented scholars, a publication here enhances prospects in tenure-track positions and consulting roles.

Comparison with Similar Journals

Academy of Management Journal competes with other top management outlets, each with unique strengths. This comparison aids researchers in selecting the best fit.

JournalImpact FactorFocusAcceptance Rate
Academy of Management Journal11.837Empirical management theory6.2%
Administrative Science Quarterly11.000Organizational studies8%
Journal of Management13.5Broad management reviews10%
Strategic Management Journal8.3Strategy and policy12%
Organization Science5.2Interdisciplinary org research15%

Researcher Tips for Successful Submission

To maximize chances of acceptance in Academy of Management Journal, start with a compelling abstract that highlights theoretical gaps. Ensure robust data analysis and discuss broader implications. Engage with recent AMJ articles to align your work. Seek feedback from colleagues before submission, and prepare for revisions by addressing reviewer comments thoroughly. Track progress via the submission portal, and consider co-authoring with experienced scholars. For ongoing support, explore PhD programs in management or academic conferences to network and refine ideas. Always verify guidelines to avoid desk rejections.

Frequently Asked Questions about Academy of Management Journal

📈What is the current impact factor of Academy of Management Journal?

The 2023 impact factor is 11.837, as reported by Clarivate JCR, reflecting its high citation influence in management research. For career advancement, check Rate My Professor to see how such metrics boost academic profiles.

🔍What is the acceptance rate for submissions?

Academy of Management Journal has an acceptance rate of approximately 6.2%, indicating its selectivity. This low rate underscores the value of publications for tenure applications; explore tenure-track positions to understand competitive edges.

💰What is the APC or open access policy?

As a hybrid journal, there is no mandatory APC for subscription access, but open access options cost $3,000. Policies align with Sherpa/RoMEO for self-archiving. Budgeting for fees? Review academic calendar for grant deadlines.

⏱️How long does the review process take?

The average time to first decision is 60-90 days, with full review cycles up to six months. Efficient timelines aid career planning; sync with higher ed faculty roles application seasons.

📝Where do I submit my manuscript?

Submissions are via the ScholarOne portal on the official journal site. Follow guidelines for formatting and ethics. For preparation, attend academic conferences to get feedback.

📚Which databases index Academy of Management Journal?

It is indexed in Web of Science, Scopus, and ABI/INFORM, ensuring wide visibility. Indexing enhances discoverability; leverage this for PhD programs in management literature reviews.

👥Who is the Editor-in-Chief?

Aaron Hill from the University of Oklahoma serves as Editor-in-Chief, overseeing editorial decisions. Editorial leadership impacts journal direction; connect via Rate My Professor for insights on board members.

🚀How does publishing here benefit my career?

A publication elevates your profile for promotions and funding, given the journal's prestige. It signals expertise; see opportunities in management faculty jobs.

⚖️How does it compare to peer journals?

AMJ's 11.837 IF surpasses many peers like Organization Science (5.2), offering superior impact. Comparisons guide choices; align with academic calendar for submission strategies.