Hari Sridhar. (COURTESY PHOTO)

By Hari Sridhar

In the ever-evolving world of marketing, the Journal of Marketing (JM) stands as a testament to the field's dynamic nature, fostering a global discourse on real-world marketing challenges and solutions.

Established in 1936 by the American Marketing Association (AMA), JM is a bimonthly scholarly journal that publishes peer-reviewed research in marketing. Over the last nine decades and under the stewardship of dozens of dedicated editors, JM has been pivotal in shaping the marketing landscape by publishing the best substantive and theoretical contributions in the field of marketing.

JM has not only disseminated critical marketing knowledge, but also significantly benefited from the burgeoning research output of China, underscoring the global nature of its scholarly community.

JM's mission is to develop and disseminate knowledge about real-world marketing questions relevant to scholars, educators, managers, policymakers, consumers, and other societal stakeholders worldwide. JM achieves its mission through a commitment to inclusivity in asking questions and finding answers, openness to a broad array of substantive marketing questions, and a balance between classic and emergent themes. The journal's big tent approach caters to the most extensive range of subjects in the marketing academic discipline, underpinning its role as a comprehensive repository of marketing wisdom.

Central to JM's success is its large, diverse, and caring review community, boasting approximately 800 ad hoc reviewers, 180 editorial review board members, and 60 associate editors. This community ensures that each submission is met with relevant, constructive feedback, fostering a nurturing environment for authors and reinforcing the journal's commitment to high-quality, impactful research.

The year 2023 was a historical first for JM as it received 1,018 new manuscripts. This was the first time JM surpassed 1,000 new submissions, and for context, our submission numbers were about 33 percent more than our seven-year running average.

We kept operations tight as well; for papers without desk-reject decisions, we were able to turn around the manuscripts in 49 days. And finally, we continue to maintain a very impressive two-year impact factor of 12.9. This trifecta (submissions, turnaround, and impact factor) is possible only because the entire JM community (editors, associate editors, reviewers, authors, and the support center of the American Marketing Association) rallies around its mission like a well-oiled machine.

The significance of awards within JM, such as the Sheth Foundation/Journal of Marketing Award, the Shelby D. Hunt/Harold H. Maynard Award, and the AMA/Marketing Science Institute/H. Paul Root Award, cannot be overstated. These accolades celebrate outstanding contributions to the marketing discipline, highlighting the innovative and influential work published within its pages.

Amid its numerous achievements, JM's growth has been notably fueled by the increasing participation of Chinese scholars. This surge mirrors the broader trends observed in scientific publishing, where China's academic output has grown both in quantity and quality. The involvement of researchers from China in JM reflects the country's substantial investment in education and research, enhancing the journal's diversity and global reach. As noted, initiatives to further engage with the Chinese academic community, including special issues and collaborative projects, have expanded opportunities for scholars, enriching the journal's content with fresh perspectives and groundbreaking research.

Looking forward, JM remains committed to innovation and excellence. The journal's initiatives, such as the Developmental Editor Initiative and various author and reviewer workshops, aim to foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for authors worldwide. Furthermore, JM's emphasis on research transparency and its adaptability to the digital era exemplify its forward-thinking approach, ensuring its continued relevance and leadership in the marketing domain.

JM's integration of global perspectives, particularly from China, underscores the interconnectedness of the academic community. As JM continues to navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by the digital age, its commitment to disseminating valuable marketing knowledge, fostering a supportive research environment, and embracing international collaboration remains unwavering. This steadfast dedication not only enriches the field of marketing but also contributes to the broader dialogue on global scientific advancement and cooperation.

The author is editor-in-chief of the Journal of Marketing, and a senior associate dean at Mays Business School, Texas A&M University.