The Case for Expanding the Domain of Registered Reports: Confronting Academic Dishonesty and Declining Confidence in Science

Abstract

Human Resource Management Journal is expanding the scope of registered reports to encompass all forms of empirical research in human resource management, regardless of data type or methodological approach. This editorial explains the rationale for this change. I begin by defining registered reports and tracing their origins. I then argue that academia's prevailing “publish or perish” culture has significantly eroded public confidence in science. The pressure to publish has fostered questionable research practices and diminished the overall quality of scholarship across disciplines, including management and business studies. I contend that registered reports—particularly in their expanded form—help guard against many of these practices and promote greater integrity in research. I conclude by offering practical guidance on how to construct a registered report.