Journal of Business Research Publications 1973–2024: Topics, methodological approaches, data, and analyses conducted

Abstract

This study analyzes trends in research published in the Journal of Business Research (JBR) by examining 10,211 abstracts from 1973 to 2024. The analysis uses categorization (of articles published in 1977–1988 versus 2013–2024) and topic modeling (of articles published from 1973 to 2024) to identify key patterns. Key findings include: (1) A shift from conceptual papers to more empirical research with a substantive focus, (2) An increase in studies utilizing interviews, surveys, and secondary data, while papers with no data usage have decreased, and (3) A rise in advanced analysis techniques, including regression, structural models, machine learning, and textual analysis. The topic modeling analysis reveals an underlying topical structure of 19 JBR research themes. Emerging themes pertain to digital transformation and technology, value co-creation, customer and brand equity, green (product) development, transformational management, service management, and innovation management and performance. Stable JBR themes include family businesses, leadership and executive boards, communication channels, strategic decision making, business ethics and responsibility, knowledge management, advertising, consumer behavior, (international) entrepreneurship, and buyers and sellers. Declining research themes concern performance and uncertainty, and forecasting and foresight. Thus, the research areas have grown more diverse, with clear subfields receiving increased attention. At the same time, more studies have delved into narrower, specialized topics, allowing for deeper investigation.