Why Researchers Choose Strategic Management Journal for High-Impact Publications
The Strategic Management Journal stands as a cornerstone in the field of business and financial services research. Established as the official journal of the Strategic Management Society, it has been publishing groundbreaking work since 1980. Researchers gravitate toward it for its rigorous peer-review process and commitment to advancing theoretical and empirical insights into strategic management. With a focus on how firms create and sustain competitive advantages, the journal covers topics from corporate strategy to innovation and organizational performance.
Its prestige is underscored by a 2022 impact factor of 10.4, placing it among the top-tier publications in management science. This metric reflects the journal's influence, as measured by Clarivate's Journal Citation Reports, where citations to recent articles are tracked over a two-year period. For scholars in business and financial services, publishing here means reaching a global audience of academics, policymakers, and industry leaders who rely on its evidence-based analyses.
The journal's scope extends to interdisciplinary areas, integrating economics, psychology, and sociology into strategic frameworks. Whether exploring mergers and acquisitions, digital transformation, or sustainability strategies, contributions must demonstrate originality and methodological soundness. This emphasis on high-quality, impactful research ensures that accepted papers shape the discourse in strategic management.
Submission value is enhanced by the journal's hybrid open-access model, allowing authors to opt for immediate visibility while maintaining subscription-based access. Researchers appreciate the detailed guidelines that streamline the process, from initial manuscript preparation to revisions. The editorial team's expertise, led by Editor-in-Chief Will Mitchell, fosters constructive feedback that elevates submissions.
For those navigating academic careers, a publication in the Strategic Management Journal can significantly boost profiles, aiding in tenure decisions and grant applications. Its alignment with business and financial services makes it essential for professionals studying market dynamics and organizational resilience. To explore related opportunities, check out business administration positions.
Overview & History
The Strategic Management Journal was launched in 1980 by the Strategic Management Society to provide a dedicated platform for strategy research. Initially published by Wiley-Blackwell, it has evolved into a quarterly outlet that bridges theory and practice in business strategy. Over four decades, it has chronicled shifts from industrial-era strategies to contemporary challenges like globalization and technological disruption.
Key milestones include its early focus on resource-based views and later expansions into dynamic capabilities and stakeholder theories. The journal's growth mirrors the field's maturation, with article volumes increasing to accommodate diverse methodologies, from quantitative modeling to qualitative case studies. Today, it remains a vital resource for understanding how strategies drive firm performance in volatile markets.
Scope and Disciplines Covered
The Strategic Management Journal encompasses a broad yet focused scope, emphasizing strategic decision-making and its implications for organizations. It welcomes empirical and theoretical papers that advance knowledge in competitive dynamics, governance, and innovation. Disciplines intersect with business administration, economics, and organizational behavior, ensuring relevance to financial services and beyond.
| Discipline | Description |
|---|---|
| Strategic Management | Core theories on firm strategy and competitive advantage. |
| Business Administration | Organizational structures and leadership in strategy execution. |
| Financial Services | Strategic implications for banking, investment, and risk management. |
| Economics | Market structures and strategic interactions among firms. |
| Organizational Behavior | Human elements in strategic implementation. |
Key Journal Metrics
Metrics highlight the Strategic Management Journal's standing. The 2022 impact factor of 10.4 indicates strong citation influence. Scopus CiteScore stands at 18.5, reflecting broader visibility. Acceptance rate hovers around 8%, underscoring selectivity.
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Impact Factor (2022) | 10.4 | Clarivate JCR |
| CiteScore (2022) | 18.5 | Scopus |
| Acceptance Rate | ~8% | Publisher Data |
| h-Index | 292 | Scopus |
| Submission to Decision Time | ~90 days initial | Journal Site |
Indexing and Abstracting
The journal is indexed in major databases, ensuring discoverability. It appears in Web of Science, Scopus, and ABI/INFORM, facilitating citations and access for researchers worldwide. Abstracting services like EBSCO and ProQuest further amplify its reach in business and financial services literature.
Publication Model and Fees
As a hybrid journal, the Strategic Management Journal offers subscription access with an open-access option. Article Processing Charges (APC) for gold open access are $3,600, covering production and dissemination. No fees apply for traditional publication, making it accessible while promoting broader impact through OA choices. Sherpa/RoMEO classifies it as allowing self-archiving of accepted manuscripts.
Submission Process and Guidelines
Submissions are handled via ScholarOne Manuscripts on the Wiley platform. Authors must adhere to double-anonymized review, with manuscripts formatted in APA style, up to 12,000 words. Guidelines emphasize clear contributions, robust data, and ethical standards. Initial desk reviews filter for fit, followed by peer feedback.
Editorial Board Highlights
The board features luminaries like Will Mitchell (Editor-in-Chief, University of Toronto), alongside associates from top institutions such as Harvard and INSEAD. Their expertise spans strategy, entrepreneurship, and international business, guiding the journal's direction and ensuring diverse perspectives.
Why Publish in Strategic Management Journal?
Publishing here elevates careers by associating with elite scholarship. High visibility leads to collaborations and citations, crucial for business and financial services experts. The journal's rigor hones research, while its network connects authors to the Strategic Management Society's events.
Comparison with Similar Journals
The Strategic Management Journal compares favorably to peers in impact and scope. It outperforms in strategy-specific focus compared to general management outlets.
| Journal | Impact Factor | Focus | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strategic Management Journal | 10.4 | Strategy and firm performance | ~8% |
| Academy of Management Journal | 10.9 | General management | ~6% |
| Journal of Management | 13.5 | Broad organizational studies | ~10% |
| Administrative Science Quarterly | 11.8 | Organizational theory | ~5% |
Researcher Tips for Successful Submission
To succeed, align your work with current calls, such as strategy in emerging markets. Use mixed methods for depth, and seek pre-submission feedback. Engage with Rate My Professor for mentorship insights, and plan around the academic calendar. Revise iteratively based on reviews to maximize chances.