Understanding the Effects of Journal Impact Factors on the Publishing Behavior of Historians of Economics

Abstract

Through a survey, conducted in early 2019, we try to assess the consequences of impact factors on the scholarly practices of the community of historians of economics and economic thought. This first systematic glance on the possible impact of these metrics on the scholarly community shows that they are considered as a limited source of information about the quality and originality of articles but they show the centrality and visibility of a journal. Respondents report limited effects on their own careers and scholarly practices and a greater impact on those of their colleagues. The possible consequences, according to respondents, seem to be negative especially for the visibility of the field and because they promote strategic behaviors that are not necessarily related to quality among their colleagues as authors, referees, and editors.

Keywords

• historians of economics and economic thought
• impact factors
• scholarly practices