Impact of the special issues in sport management and sociology journals

Abstract

Rationale/purpose: There is a lack of evidence of the impact of the special issues (SIs) published in sport management and sociology journals compared to “normal” issues, as well as the differing impacts of different SIs. This review analyses the impact of the SIs published in these journals over the 2014–2020 period. Design/methodology/approach: Two analyses were conducted based on Scopus data: “raw” and “relative” (SI cites divided by journal cites outside the SI). 205 SIs were identified, of which 180 had a CiteScore. Findings: SIs are more impactful than “normal” issues, in particular when they have an appropriate focus (broad enough but not too diluted). Besides, the mix between reviews and esports appears particularly impactful, as exemplified by the reviews published by Sport Management Review in 2018. Practical implications: A SI has a higher impact if it has an appropriate focus on a trendy topic and includes reviews. Research contribution: The review evidences the impact of the SIs in sport management and sociology journals.