Business and management research: Low instances of replication studies and a lack of author independence in replications

Abstract

Increasing awareness of the credibility crisis and related replication crisis in business research drives calls for greater understanding of the state of replication studies. This research addresses these calls by analyzing the 10-year publication history of 121 leading journals (Academic Journal Guide (AJG 2018)). Examination of 83,682 articles reveals 4,412 potential replications. Detailed analysis of 500 randomly selected articles offers further insights. Results indicate most replications are conceptual in nature, support prior findings and represent only 1.47% of published research in leading journals. Significantly, most replications occur as part of within-study or intrastudy designs. Replications by independent researchers are very rare, raising credibility concerns due to author overlap and associated researcher and measurement biases. Recommendations for the improvement of replication efforts are made.