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 in the field of Human Resources and labor studies, offering researchers a platform to disseminate influential work on the dynamics between economy, society, and employment. Established in 1962 by the Institute of Industrial Relations at the University of California, Berkeley, this quarterly publication has evolved into a globally recognized outlet for scholarly inquiry into industrial relations, labor markets, and socioeconomic policies. With a focus on empirical and theoretical contributions, it attracts submissions from economists, sociologists, and policy analysts worldwide.
The journal's prestige is underscored by its consistent indexing in top databases and a solid impact factor of 2.3, reflecting its role in advancing knowledge on topics like wage determination, union dynamics, and workplace inequality. Researchers value its rigorous peer-review process, which ensures high standards while fostering innovative perspectives on contemporary challenges such as gig economies and labor law reforms. Published by Wiley, it maintains open access options alongside traditional subscriptions, broadening accessibility for global audiences.
For those in Human Resources and related disciplines, publishing here enhances academic profiles and influences policy debates. The journal's interdisciplinary approach bridges economics and sociology, making it ideal for studies on human capital, organizational behavior, and societal impacts of economic shifts. Its long history of featuring seminal articles has solidified its reputation among tenure-track faculty and emerging scholars alike.
Explore opportunities to engage with this esteemed publication by reviewing submission guidelines on the official site. To advance your career, consider related resources like tenure-track jobs in academia or PhD programs in Human Resources, which often prioritize publications in outlets like this.
Overview & History
Industrial Relations: A Journal of Economy and Society was founded in 1962 to address the evolving landscape of labor and employment relations in post-war America. Initially affiliated with UC Berkeley's Institute of Industrial Relations, it has grown to encompass international perspectives while rooted in U.S. contexts. Over six decades, it has published over 1,500 articles, chronicling shifts from union power in the mid-20th century to modern issues like automation's effect on jobs.
The journal's editorial leadership has included notable figures in labor economics, ensuring a balance of theoretical rigor and practical relevance. Its migration to Wiley in recent years has enhanced digital accessibility, with archives dating back to inception available online. This historical depth makes it a vital resource for longitudinal studies in Human Resources.
Scope and Disciplines Covered
The journal covers a broad spectrum within industrial relations, emphasizing intersections of economy and society. Key areas include labor economics, employment policy, and organizational sociology. It welcomes empirical analyses, case studies, and theoretical models on topics like income inequality, workplace diversity, and global labor standards.
| Discipline | Description |
|---|---|
| Human Resources | Focus on recruitment, training, and employee relations in economic contexts. |
| Labor Economics | Analyses of wages, employment trends, and market dynamics. |
| Sociology | Studies on social structures in workplaces and societal impacts. |
| Public Policy | Evaluations of labor laws and government interventions. |
Submissions must demonstrate originality and relevance to these disciplines, with a preference for data-driven research.
Key Journal Metrics
| Metric | Value | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Impact Factor (2022) | 2.3 | Clarivate Journal Citation Reports. |
| 5-Year Impact Factor | 2.8 | Reflects sustained influence. |
| h-Index | 85 | Google Scholar metrics. |
| CiteScore | 3.5 | Scopus-based. |
| Acceptance Rate | 15-20% | Estimated from publisher data. |
These metrics highlight the journal's competitiveness and citation impact in Human Resources research.
Indexing and Abstracting
Industrial Relations is indexed in leading databases, ensuring visibility for authors. It appears in Web of Science, Scopus, and EconLit, facilitating citations from diverse fields. Additional coverage includes JSTOR for historical access and ProQuest for social sciences. This broad indexing supports discoverability in academic calendars and research planning.
Publication Model and Fees
The journal operates a hybrid model, offering subscription-based access with optional open access via Wiley's OnlineOpen. Article Processing Charges (APCs) for OA are approximately $3,500, waivable for certain regions. No fees for traditional publication. This flexibility aids researchers balancing budgets, especially in policy-oriented Human Resources studies.
Submission Process and Guidelines
Manuscripts are submitted electronically through Wiley's ScholarOne platform. Guidelines emphasize double-blind review, with word limits around 8,000-10,000. Authors should format per APA style, including abstracts and keywords. Initial decisions take 4-6 weeks, with revisions possible. For tips, visit the Rate My Professor for peer insights on publishing success.
Editorial Board Highlights
The board comprises experts from top institutions like Harvard and UC Berkeley. Editor-in-Chief John T. Addison oversees strategy, supported by associate editors in labor economics and sociology. Their diverse backgrounds ensure comprehensive evaluation, benefiting submissions on global Human Resources issues.
Why Publish in Industrial Relations: A Journal of Economy and Society?
Publishing here offers visibility among policymakers and academics, with articles often cited in labor reports. The journal's focus on timely topics like remote work post-pandemic enhances relevance. For career advancement, see postdoc positions in economics. Its U.S.-centric yet international scope appeals to a wide audience, boosting CVs for higher ed jobs in Human Resources.
Comparison with Similar Journals
| Journal | Impact Factor | Focus | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|
| Industrial Relations | 2.3 | Labor economy and society | Wiley |
| Journal of Labor Economics | 4.1 | Empirical labor studies | University of Chicago Press |
| British Journal of Industrial Relations | 2.0 | International IR | Wiley |
| ILR Review | 2.9 | Work and employment | SAGE |
This comparison shows Industrial Relations' strong position in accessibility and scope breadth.
Researcher Tips for Successful Submission
To succeed, align your work with current calls, use robust datasets, and engage interdisciplinary angles. Proofread meticulously and seek feedback via networks. Track progress with tools from PhD programs in labor studies. Persistence pays off in this selective venue.