Why Researchers Choose Journal of Corporate Finance for High-Impact Publications
The Journal of Corporate Finance stands as a cornerstone in the field of business and financial services, offering a premier platform for scholarly work on corporate financial policies, capital structure, and governance. Published by Elsevier since 1992, this quarterly journal has built a reputation for rigorous peer review and influential research that shapes corporate finance practices worldwide. Researchers value its commitment to empirical and theoretical advancements, making it a top choice for disseminating cutting-edge studies.
With a focus on topics like mergers and acquisitions, dividend policies, and financial contracting, the journal attracts contributions from leading academics globally. Its impact factor of 4.1 reflects the high citation rates and relevance in the discipline. For those in business and financial services, publishing here enhances career prospects and connects work to real-world applications in corporate decision-making.
The journal's hybrid open access model allows authors to reach broader audiences while maintaining traditional subscription access. Submission guidelines emphasize originality and methodological soundness, ensuring only the most robust research is published. As finance evolves with global markets and regulatory changes, the Journal of Corporate Finance remains at the forefront, providing insights that inform both academia and industry.
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Overview & History
Established in 1992, the Journal of Corporate Finance was founded to address the growing need for specialized research in corporate financial management. Under Elsevier's stewardship, it has grown into a respected outlet, publishing four issues annually. The journal's evolution mirrors the field's expansion, from early focuses on capital structure theories to contemporary analyses of fintech and ESG investing in corporate contexts.
Key milestones include its inclusion in major indexing services shortly after inception and consistent ranking in the top quartile of finance journals. This history underscores its role in bridging theoretical finance with practical corporate strategies, serving researchers in business and financial services across institutions worldwide.
Scope and Disciplines Covered
The journal encompasses a wide array of topics within corporate finance, emphasizing empirical evidence and theoretical models. It welcomes submissions on payout policy, corporate investment, governance mechanisms, and international finance issues.
| Discipline | Description |
|---|---|
| Finance | Core theories and empirical studies on capital markets and firm valuation. |
| Accounting | Intersections with financial reporting and disclosure in corporate settings. |
| Economics | Macroeconomic influences on corporate financial decisions. |
| Business Management | Governance, strategy, and organizational finance topics. |
This multidisciplinary approach ensures comprehensive coverage, appealing to diverse researchers in business and financial services.
Key Journal Metrics
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Impact Factor (2022) | 4.1 | Clarivate JCR |
| CiteScore (2023) | 9.5 | Scopus |
| h-Index | 105 | Scopus |
| Acceptance Rate | Not publicly disclosed | N/A |
| Submission to Decision | 3-6 months | Publisher data |
These metrics highlight the journal's influence and selectivity, positioning it as a high-value venue for impactful research.
Indexing and Abstracting
The Journal of Corporate Finance is indexed in leading databases, ensuring global visibility. It appears in Web of Science (SSCI), Scopus, and EconLit, facilitating citations and discoverability. Abstracting services like RePEc and JSTOR further extend its reach to economists and finance scholars.
- Web of Science: Full coverage since 1992
- Scopus: High citation metrics
- Google Scholar: Broad accessibility
Researchers benefit from this indexing for tracking research impact and networking in business and financial services.
Publication Model and Fees
As a hybrid journal, it offers both subscription-based and open access options. Traditional publication is free for authors, with readers accessing via institutional subscriptions. For open access, the Article Publishing Charge (APC) is $3,440, covering processing and dissemination. Elsevier's policies support green and gold OA routes, with waivers available for certain regions.
This model balances accessibility with sustainability, allowing researchers to choose based on funding and visibility needs.
Submission Process and Guidelines
Submissions are handled through Elsevier's Editorial Manager system. Authors must adhere to guidelines on formatting, ethics, and disclosure. Manuscripts should be original, with abstracts under 150 words and keywords reflecting corporate finance themes.
- Prepare manuscript in double-spaced format
- Include data availability statements
- Undergo double-blind peer review
Track progress via the portal; decisions typically arrive within 3-6 months. For tips, explore academic writing resources.
Editorial Board Highlights
The board comprises distinguished scholars from top institutions. Notable members include Micah S. Officer (Co-Editor, University of Warwick) and René Stulz (Ohio State University), bringing expertise in empirical finance and governance. Their guidance ensures high standards and relevance to current business challenges.
Diversity in the board reflects global perspectives, enhancing the journal's authority in financial services research.
Why Publish in Journal of Corporate Finance?
Publishing here offers prestige, with a 4.1 impact factor amplifying research reach. It connects authors to influential networks, boosting citations and career advancement. The journal's focus on practical implications aids in translating theory to corporate practice.
Compared to peers, its specificity in corporate finance provides targeted exposure. Researchers gain from rigorous review that refines work for broader impact.
Comparison with Similar Journals
| Journal | Impact Factor | Publisher | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Journal of Financial Economics | 8.5 | Elsevier | Broad finance, empirical |
| Review of Financial Studies | 6.4 | Oxford | Financial markets and institutions |
| Journal of Finance | 7.8 | Wiley | General finance theory |
| Journal of Corporate Finance | 4.1 | Elsevier | Corporate policies and governance |
This comparison shows its strong position in specialized corporate finance, ideal for targeted submissions.
Researcher Tips for Successful Submission
To succeed, ensure novelty in addressing gaps in corporate finance literature. Use robust econometrics and clear implications. Engage with recent issues for context, and seek feedback before submitting. Leverage tenure track advice for career alignment. For job opportunities post-publication, check economics professor jobs.