Why Researchers Choose Administrative Science Quarterly for High-Impact Publications
Administrative Science Quarterly stands as a cornerstone in the field of management and organizational studies, offering researchers a prestigious platform to disseminate innovative theories and empirical findings. Established in 1956 by the Cornell University Johnson Graduate School of Management, this quarterly publication has evolved into one of the most influential journals globally, renowned for its rigorous standards and interdisciplinary approach. With a focus on advancing knowledge in organizational behavior, strategy, and institutional theory, Administrative Science Quarterly attracts submissions from top scholars worldwide, ensuring that published articles shape the discourse in management internal disciplines.
The journal's prestige is underscored by its consistent high rankings in academic evaluations, such as the Financial Times 50 and UT Dallas lists. Its impact factor of 10.6 (2022 Clarivate Journal Citation Reports) reflects the enduring citation of its content, making it a prime choice for researchers aiming to maximize visibility and influence. Administrative Science Quarterly emphasizes theoretical contributions backed by robust methodologies, whether quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods. Topics span from micro-level analyses of individual and group dynamics to macro-level examinations of organizational environments and societal impacts.
Publishing in Administrative Science Quarterly offers significant career benefits, including enhanced reputation and opportunities for collaboration with leading academics. The journal's hybrid open access model allows authors to reach broader audiences while maintaining the exclusivity of traditional subscription access. For those navigating the competitive academic landscape, selecting this venue signals commitment to excellence. Researchers often highlight the journal's editorial process, which provides constructive feedback to refine manuscripts.
To explore how Administrative Science Quarterly fits into your publication strategy, consider reviewing management faculty positions that value such high-impact outlets. This can help align your research with institutional priorities and advance your academic trajectory.
Overview & History
Administrative Science Quarterly was founded in 1956 to foster scholarly inquiry into administrative and organizational phenomena. Published by SAGE Publications on behalf of the Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management at Cornell University, it has maintained a quarterly schedule, releasing issues in March, June, September, and December. Over the decades, the journal has chronicled pivotal shifts in management thought, from early systems theory to contemporary discussions on sustainability and digital transformation.
Key milestones include its adoption of a more interdisciplinary lens in the 1970s, incorporating insights from sociology and psychology, and the launch of online submission systems in the early 2000s to streamline processes. Today, Administrative Science Quarterly remains committed to publishing work that challenges conventional wisdom and proposes novel frameworks for understanding organizations.
Scope and Disciplines Covered
Administrative Science Quarterly covers a broad spectrum within management internal disciplines, emphasizing theoretical and empirical research on organizations. It welcomes studies on organizational structure, culture, leadership, innovation, and change, often intersecting with sociology, economics, and psychology.
| Discipline | Description |
|---|---|
| Management | Core focus on strategic management, organizational behavior, and human resource practices. |
| Sociology | Explores institutional theory, social networks, and organizational legitimacy. |
| Organizational Studies | Examines group dynamics, decision-making processes, and inter-organizational relations. |
| Economics | Addresses economic models of firm behavior and market structures. |
| Psychology | Investigates individual motivations, leadership styles, and behavioral outcomes in work settings. |
This multidisciplinary scope ensures diverse readership and applicability across subfields.
Key Journal Metrics
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Impact Factor (2022) | 10.6 | Clarivate JCR |
| CiteScore (2023) | 17.3 | Scopus |
| Acceptance Rate | Approximately 8% | Publisher Data |
| h5-Index | 85 | Google Scholar |
| Submission to First Decision | 3-4 months | SAGE Metrics |
These metrics highlight Administrative Science Quarterly's influence and selectivity, positioning it among elite management journals.
Indexing and Abstracting
Administrative Science Quarterly is indexed in major databases, ensuring global discoverability. It appears in Web of Science (Social Sciences Citation Index), Scopus, ABI/INFORM, and EBSCOhost. Additional coverage includes JSTOR for archival access and ProQuest for comprehensive searching. This indexing supports high citation rates and accessibility for researchers worldwide. For open access content, it complies with DOAJ guidelines where applicable.
Publication Model and Fees
As a hybrid journal, Administrative Science Quarterly offers traditional subscription-based access alongside open access options. Authors can choose gold open access upon acceptance, with an Article Processing Charge (APC) of $3,000 USD, covering peer review, editing, and dissemination. SAGE provides waivers for authors from low-income countries via Research4Life. Subscriptions are managed through institutional access or individual purchases via the publisher's platform.
Submission Process and Guidelines
Submissions are handled exclusively online via SAGE's ScholarOne Manuscripts system at the journal's official site. Manuscripts should be original, unpublished, and formatted per APA style, with a maximum length of 12,000 words including references. Authors must declare conflicts of interest and ensure ethical compliance, such as IRB approval for human subjects research. The process involves initial editorial screening, followed by double-anonymized peer review by 2-4 experts. Revisions are common, with decisions communicated within 90 days on average.
Editorial Board Highlights
The editorial team is led by Editor-in-Chief Henrich R. Greve from INSEAD, bringing expertise in organizational learning and governance. Associate Editors include prominent scholars like Sarah Kaplan (University of Toronto) in strategy and Tammy Madsen (Santa Clara University) in entrepreneurship. The board comprises 20+ international members from institutions such as Harvard, Stanford, and London Business School, ensuring diverse perspectives and rigorous evaluation.
Why Publish in Administrative Science Quarterly?
Publishing here elevates a researcher's profile due to the journal's A* ranking in the ABDC list and top quartile in Scopus categories. It fosters connections within the global management community and often leads to invitations for conferences or collaborations. The emphasis on theoretical innovation rewards bold ideas, while supportive reviews help refine arguments. For early-career researchers, a publication signals potential to hiring committees—check Rate My Professor for insights into faculty experiences.
Comparison with Similar Journals
| Journal | Impact Factor | Focus | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Administrative Science Quarterly | 10.6 | Organizational theory and management | 8% |
| Academy of Management Journal | 10.9 | Empirical management research | 6% |
| Organization Science | 5.5 | Interdisciplinary org studies | 10% |
| Journal of Management | 13.5 | Broad management topics | 7% |
| Strategic Management Journal | 8.3 | Strategy and firm performance | 9% |
This comparison shows Administrative Science Quarterly's competitive edge in theoretical depth and prestige.
Researcher Tips for Successful Submission
To succeed, craft a compelling theoretical contribution that addresses gaps in the literature. Use clear, concise language and robust data analysis. Engage with recent issues for contextual fit. Seek feedback from colleagues before submitting, and prepare for iterative revisions. Track academic calendar deadlines for related funding or conferences. Patience is key in this selective process.
Internal links distributed: organizational behavior positions, tenure-track opportunities, PhD programs in management, faculty development resources, research grants for organizations, career advice in academia, journal submission tips, management conferences, Rate My Professor, academic calendar, publishing strategies, peer review best practices. External: Administrative Science Quarterly official homepage, Scopus, Clarivate JCR.