Impact of Social Networks on Publishing in American Economic Review

Abstract

This study investigated the impact of social networks on publishing in American Economic Review and found that any connection with the members of the journal’s editorial board significantly influenced the chance of getting the article published in AER. Article quality and the number of years since the authors received their Ph.D. also have a significant positive impact on the likelihood of publishing an article in AER. The influence of these factors was found to be significant even during the early years of professional career. The study found that authors’ affiliation to the top schools did not have a significant effect on the odds of publication in American Economic Review. However, the presence of authors’ editorial board connection prevailed over authors’ affiliation in determining the likelihood of publishing an article