Industrial Relations: A Journal of Economy and Society – Industrial Employee Relations Journal Guide for Researchers

Why Researchers Choose Industrial Relations: A Journal of Economy and Society for High-Impact Publications

Industrial Relations: A Journal of Economy and Society stands as a cornerstone publication for scholars examining the intersections of economy, labor, and society. Established in 1962, this quarterly journal has built a reputation for rigorous, empirical research that informs policy and practice in industrial employee relations. Published by Wiley, it attracts contributions from leading experts worldwide, focusing on topics like labor markets, union dynamics, wage inequality, and workplace governance. With a 2022 impact factor of 2.456 according to Clarivate Journal Citation Reports, it ranks highly in industrial and labor relations categories, offering researchers visibility among policymakers, academics, and practitioners.

The journal's scope extends beyond traditional economics to include sociological and institutional perspectives on work and employment. Articles often explore how economic structures shape social outcomes, such as gender disparities in labor or the effects of globalization on unions. Its hybrid open access model allows authors to reach broader audiences while maintaining the prestige of a subscription-based outlet. Researchers value its commitment to interdisciplinary dialogue, evidenced by special issues on emerging challenges like automation's impact on jobs or the role of institutions in inequality reduction.

For those in industrial employee relations, publishing here signals expertise in a field where evidence-based insights drive real-world change. The editorial process emphasizes methodological soundness and theoretical innovation, ensuring published works contribute meaningfully to ongoing debates. Whether analyzing collective bargaining or employee well-being, Industrial Relations: A Journal of Economy and Society provides a platform for influential scholarship. To explore related career opportunities, visit higher education jobs.

Overview & History

Founded in 1962 by the Institute of Industrial Relations at the University of California, Berkeley, Industrial Relations: A Journal of Economy and Society has evolved into a global forum for labor and employment studies. Initially focused on U.S.-centric issues, it now publishes international research, reflecting the transnational nature of modern work. Under Wiley's stewardship since 2008, the journal maintains its quarterly schedule, with each issue featuring 4-6 peer-reviewed articles averaging 8,000-10,000 words.

Key milestones include its early emphasis on human resource management and industrial democracy, expanding in the 1990s to cover post-industrial economies. Today, it bridges economics, sociology, and political science, with a circulation reaching thousands through Wiley Online Library. The journal's history underscores its role in shaping discourse on fair labor practices and economic equity.

Scope and Disciplines Covered

These disciplines highlight the journal's interdisciplinary approach, welcoming empirical and theoretical submissions that advance understanding of economy-society linkages.

Key Journal Metrics

These metrics demonstrate the journal's influence, with steady growth in citations reflecting its relevance in industrial employee relations.

Indexing and Abstracting

Industrial Relations: A Journal of Economy and Society is indexed in major databases, ensuring discoverability. It appears in Web of Science (Social Sciences Citation Index), Scopus, EconLit, and JSTOR. Additional coverage includes ABI/INFORM, International Bibliography of the Social Sciences, and PAIS International. For full list, check the official journal homepage. This indexing supports high visibility for authors' work.

Publication Model and Fees

As a hybrid journal, it offers traditional subscription access alongside open access options via Wiley's OnlineOpen. The Article Publication Charge (APC) for open access is $3,200 USD, waivable for corresponding authors from low-income countries. No fees for standard publication. Page charges are not applied, making it accessible for researchers. Policies align with Plan S compliance for funder mandates.

Submission Process and Guidelines

Submissions are handled through Wiley's ScholarOne Manuscripts portal. Authors must follow the journal's style guide, including APA referencing and anonymized manuscripts for double-blind review. Initial review takes 4-6 weeks, with full decisions in 3-4 months. Guidelines emphasize originality, with plagiarism checks via iThenticate. Prepare by reviewing recent issues on the official journal homepage.

Editorial Board Highlights

The board comprises distinguished scholars from top institutions. Editor-in-Chief John T. Addison (University of South Carolina) leads with expertise in labor economics. Associate Editors include David Card (UC Berkeley) for econometrics and Rosemary Batt (Cornell) for HR strategy. International members from Europe and Asia ensure global perspectives. Their collective experience guides the journal's high standards.

Why Publish in Industrial Relations: A Journal of Economy and Society?

Publishing here offers exposure to influential audiences, including policymakers via affiliations with labor organizations. The journal's focus on timely issues like gig economy precarity enhances career impact. With rigorous yet supportive review, it fosters scholarly growth. Link your research to broader discussions by exploring academic jobs opportunities.

Comparison with Similar Journals

This comparison shows Industrial Relations: A Journal of Economy and Society's strong position in the field, balancing scope and impact.

Researcher Tips for Successful Submission

• Align your work with current calls, like inequality themes.
• Use robust data; mixed methods are favored.
• Cite recent articles to demonstrate fit.
• Seek feedback pre-submission via networks.
• Check Rate My Professor for mentor insights.

For academic planning, see the academic calendar. Additional links: PhD programs, tenure-track positions, labor studies degrees, economics faculty jobs, sociology professor roles, HR management careers, policy research positions, union studies resources.