Unraveling the Attributes of Productive Scholars in Social Science Fields: A Study of Chinese Scholars Publishing in Top-Tier International Journals

Aspiring researchers worldwide strive to amass a prolific publication record to elevate their academic standing and advance their research careers. However, achieving research productivity is a multifaceted endeavour shaped by individual characteristics, institutional support, and societal factors. This study explores the experiences of ten high-performing Chinese scholars in social science fields. By examining their prolific publication records in top-tier international journals, the study unveils the distinct attributes that characterize productive researchers and the strategies they employ to facilitate their scholarly publishing. Through in-depth interviews and an exploration framed by academic identity and academic socialization, the study highlights the significance of cultivating a robust academic identity, fostering efficient scholarly practices, and promoting effective collaboration. These findings offer invaluable insights for emerging academics seeking to enhance their research productivity without compromising the quality of their work, especially concerning publications in esteemed international journals.