Global ranking of knowledge management and intellectual capital academic journals: 2013 update

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to update a global ranking of knowledge management and intellectual capital (KM/IC) academic journals. Design/methodology/approach: Two different approaches were utilized: a survey of 379 active KM/IC researchers; and the journal citation impact method. Scores produced by the application of these methods were combined to develop the final ranking. Findings: Twenty‐five KM/IC‐centric journals were identified and ranked. The top six journals are: Journal of Knowledge Management, Journal of Intellectual Capital, The Learning Organization, Knowledge Management Research & Practice, Knowledge and Process Management and International Journal of Knowledge Management. Knowledge Management Research & Practice has substantially improved its reputation. The Learning Organization and Journal of Intellectual Capital retained their previous positions due to their strong citation impact. The number of KM/IC‐centric and KM/IC‐relevant journals has been growing at the pace of one new journal launch per year. This demonstrates that KM/IC is not a scientific fad; instead, the discipline is progressing towards academic maturity and recognition. Practical implications: The developed ranking may be used by various stakeholders, including journal editors, publishers, reviewers, researchers, new scholars, students, policymakers, university administrators, librarians and practitioners. It is a useful tool to further promote the KM/IC discipline and develop its unique identity. It is important for all KM/IC journals to become included in Thomson Reuters' Journal Citation Reports. Originality/value: This is the most up‐to‐date ranking of KM/IC journals.