Diversity in the authorship of journal articles and REF impact case studies: How are UK business schools shaping up?

This developmental paper explores diversity differences in the authorship of journal articles
and impact case studies by UK business school academics. We discuss dominant influences in
different academic fields over time that influence productivity in journal articles authored by
women and ethnic minority researchers in particular. Based on secondary data analysis of
submissions to RAE 2008 and REF 2014 and interviews with individuals, we highlight the
importance of mentoring, networks, personal confidence, and membership of corporate,
editorial and journal list committees. In the context of Athena Swan and equality and diversity
policies, we consider prospects for greater diversity in authorship from under-represented
researchers. We argue for more transparent reporting and targeted support to mitigate
suboptimal publication strategies in the sector.