Why Researchers Choose Strategic Management Journal for High-Impact Publications
The Strategic Management Journal stands as a cornerstone in the field of strategic management, providing a platform for groundbreaking research that shapes business strategy and economic development worldwide. Established in 1980 by Wiley-Blackwell, this quarterly publication has evolved into one of the most cited journals in business and management, attracting submissions from leading academics and practitioners. Its rigorous peer-review process ensures that only the highest-quality studies on firm strategy, competitive advantage, and organizational performance are published, making it an essential resource for researchers aiming to influence both theory and practice.
With a focus on interdisciplinary approaches, the journal bridges economics, organizational behavior, and innovation studies, offering insights into how firms navigate complex global markets. Scholars value its broad scope, which encompasses topics from corporate governance to entrepreneurial strategies, all while maintaining a commitment to empirical rigor and theoretical advancement. The journal's high visibility, evidenced by its inclusion in top indexing databases, amplifies the reach of published work, often leading to citations in policy reports and executive training programs.
For those in economic and business development, publishing here signifies expertise and opens doors to collaborations with industry leaders. The journal's editorial team, comprising renowned experts, provides constructive feedback that refines research, enhancing its applicability to real-world challenges like sustainable growth and digital transformation. As the field grapples with rapid changes in global trade and technology, the Strategic Management Journal remains a vital forum for discourse.
Researchers preparing submissions should review the detailed guidelines to align their work with the journal's standards. To explore related academic opportunities, consider browsing higher education jobs for positions in business schools.
Overview & History
The Strategic Management Journal was founded in 1980 to address the growing need for a dedicated outlet focused on strategic decision-making in organizations. Published by Wiley-Blackwell, it quickly gained prominence by featuring seminal works that defined the strategic management discipline. Over the decades, it has chronicled the evolution from traditional industrial organization economics to contemporary issues like dynamic capabilities and ecosystem strategies.
Key milestones include its early emphasis on resource-based views in the 1990s and more recent explorations of sustainability and AI in strategy. Today, it serves a global audience, with contributions from over 50 countries, reflecting the internationalization of business research. The journal's history underscores its role in fostering debates that have influenced MBA curricula and corporate boardrooms worldwide.
Scope and Disciplines Covered
The Strategic Management Journal covers a wide array of topics within strategic management, emphasizing theoretical and empirical contributions that advance understanding of firm performance and competitive dynamics. It welcomes studies on strategy formulation, implementation, and outcomes across various organizational contexts.
| Discipline | Description |
|---|---|
| Strategic Management | Core theories on competitive advantage and firm strategy. |
| Business Administration | Organizational structures and leadership in strategic contexts. |
| Economics | Market structures, innovation economics, and industrial organization. |
| Organizational Studies | Behavioral aspects of strategy and change management. |
| Entrepreneurship | Strategic growth in startups and small firms. |
Interdisciplinary submissions that integrate these areas are particularly encouraged, provided they offer novel insights into economic and business development.
Key Journal Metrics
| Metric | Value | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Impact Factor (2023) | 11.8 | Clarivate Journal Citation Reports. |
| 5-Year Impact Factor | 13.2 | Reflects sustained influence. |
| CiteScore | 18.7 | Scopus metrics. |
| h-Index | 312 | High citation consistency. |
| Acceptance Rate | Approximately 8% | Based on publisher data; highly selective. |
These metrics highlight the journal's prestige, with articles often garnering hundreds of citations shortly after publication.
Indexing and Abstracting
The Strategic Management Journal is indexed in leading databases, ensuring wide accessibility and discoverability. It appears in Web of Science, Scopus, and ABI/INFORM, among others. This inclusion facilitates tracking of research impact through tools like Google Scholar and ResearchGate. For researchers, this means published work reaches diverse audiences, from academics to policymakers in economic development.
External links to these services include Scopus and Clarivate JCR.
Publication Model and Fees
As a hybrid journal, the Strategic Management Journal offers both subscription-based access and open access options. Authors can publish under a traditional model or choose gold open access with an Article Processing Charge (APC) of $3,800, covering peer review and dissemination. No fees apply for non-OA submissions, and waivers are available for corresponding authors from low-income countries. This model balances accessibility with sustainability, allowing global researchers to share findings without barriers.
Submission Process and Guidelines
Submissions are handled through the online portal at the journal's official site. Manuscripts should be original, double-blind reviewed, and formatted per APA style, typically 8,000-12,000 words. Key guidelines emphasize clear contributions to theory, robust methods, and implications for practice. Reviewers assess novelty, rigor, and relevance to strategic management. Average time to first decision is 3 months, with revisions encouraged to strengthen submissions.
Prospective authors can prepare by reviewing sample articles on the official journal homepage.
Editorial Board Highlights
The editorial board features distinguished scholars from top institutions like Harvard, Wharton, and INSEAD. Editor-in-Chief Aseem Kaul from the University of Texas at Dallas leads a team with expertise in diverse subfields. Notable members include Jay Barney (resource-based view pioneer) and Constance Helfat (dynamic capabilities). Their guidance ensures balanced, high-quality decisions, drawing on decades of collective experience.
Why Publish in Strategic Management Journal?
Publishing in the Strategic Management Journal elevates a researcher's career by associating with a top-tier outlet. It provides visibility to influence strategy education and practice, often leading to invitations for keynotes and consulting. The journal's network fosters collaborations, and its archival status ensures long-term impact. For early-career scholars, it serves as a benchmark for tenure portfolios in business schools.
Link your research to broader opportunities via PhD programs in management.
Comparison with Similar Journals
| Journal | Impact Factor | Focus | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|
| Academy of Management Journal | 10.9 | General management | Academy of Management |
| Journal of Management | 13.5 | Broad management topics | SAGE |
| Administrative Science Quarterly | 11.5 | Organizational theory | SAGE |
| Organization Science | 5.4 | Interdisciplinary org studies | INFORMS |
The Strategic Management Journal excels in strategy-specific depth, outperforming peers in citation rates for business strategy topics.
Researcher Tips for Successful Submission
To succeed, craft a compelling abstract highlighting theoretical gaps and contributions. Use mixed methods where appropriate to bolster empirical claims. Engage with recent issues for timeliness, and seek co-authors for diverse perspectives. Post-submission, track progress via the portal and be responsive to feedback. Networking at conferences can provide insights into editorial preferences.
For career advancement, check tenure-track positions in strategy departments. Additionally, use Rate My Professor for faculty insights and plan with the academic calendar. Explore postdoc opportunities and research grants to support your work.