Types of Work Published
Empirical Papers
An empirical paper can present any type of research undertaken by the author(s). It should contain empirical evidence, the analysis of which have yielded findings that lead to the theoretical contributions of the paper. The paper must make a theoretical contribution to knowledge. The paper should clearly communicate its theoretical contribution in relation to current literature. The paper should also have implications for practice. Authors are encouraged to begin with a ‘performance gap’ (i.e. an issue related to business).
The CBJ welcomes empirical papers using a variety of methodologies based on different research philosophies. The paper should include a clear research problem being addressed, relevant literature, the theoretical framework being utilized, research design, data analysis and a discussion of findings (although not necessarily with those headings).
Conceptual Papers
A conceptual paper should present new theoretical insights that advance the understanding of issues related to business. It should extend theoretical knowledge in the area of study. This may be done by developing new conceptual models comprising new propositions through the synthesis of available theories and literature, or by challenging or clarifying available theory.
Literature Review Papers
A literature review paper should present a systematic literature review undertaken to answer a clearly formulated question through which the paper should make a contribution to knowledge. The paper should introduce this question at the beginning in order to highlight the knowledge contribution. There should be a clear explanation of the methods adopted in conducting the review, including the selection criteria and the steps followed in the selection of research, as well as the process used in reviewing them. This should be followed by a critical appraisal of the reviewed literature leading to answering the identified question.
Perspective Papers
A perspective paper should present a new viewpoint, new insights or the author’s assessment of what is already known. The new viewpoints, insights and assessment could take the form of commentary on existing theory, concepts and/or research findings and, where appropriate, evidence of business and social phenomena/practices. The emphasis is on providing new reflections on available knowledge and observable business related phenomena rather than the development of theory.
Given the multidisciplinary focus of the CBJ, authors are encouraged to borrow concepts from non-management disciplines to reflect on problems and phenomena related to business and management. Evidence could be from different published sources, original data or author’s observations. However, evidence based on author observations should be used sparingly and only where absolutely essential for the ideas being presented.
