Around the world, scholars are under great pressure to publish. The number of outlets is increasing, but their relative importance is closely scrutinized. Interesting subjects and potential co-authors abound, but giving them attention must be weighted against demands for teaching and service. This presentation provided three perspectives on thriving in this challenging environment.

“To be a scholar means you have to decide to whom you have to speak” said Anne Huff. Her advice on getting published included ‘joining a conversation’. “Choose people who are already in conversation and speak to them.” She went on to advise that young scholars should find three to five published papers and pin them over the computer. Scholars should then write to the authors of these papers using the papers to frame the conversation.  Further advice included the importance of defining your contribution to the conversation and making your identity clear from the start.

Dave Whetten highlighted what he described at the 80/20 rule as a good rule of thumb for joining such an academic discussion, with the 80 representing the ongoing conversation and the 20 being the percentage of new ideas and directions that young scholars should aim to introduce.

Tim Pollock’s presentation discussed the process of submission to the Academy of Management Journal, giving tips on how to handle revisions and how to structure a paper.

Speakers:
David Whetten is the Jack Wheatley Professor of Organizational Studies and Director of the Faculty Development Centre at Brigham Young University.

Anne Huff is the Founding Director of the Advanced Institute of Management Research (AIM), a UK wide management research initiative with offices based at Warwick Business School.

Tim Pollock is Professor of Management and Organization in the Smeal College of Business at The Pennsylvania State University.

Read Tim Pollock's presentation on publishsing in AMJ here