A Call for Policy Relevant Research

The importance of evidence-based research in informing practice is of vital importance. Academic researchers are in a unique position to contribute to this, having the mix of skill sets, objectivity, and time to consider the issues at hand. Indeed, regulators such as the Australian Accounting Standards Board continually welcome evidence-based research to help inform the development of accounting standards, and to assist in post-implementation reviews. Academics, however, do not always see the benefits of engaging in such policy relevant activities. The current incentive structure around publishing is such that chasing top-tier publications is key, even if it is of little practical relevance to society. It is also noteworthy that while research published in top-tier journals often address important phenomena, because of their global audience, they often leave little room for local context or issues of domestic importance. The bias against publishing no-results studies is also a detractor for researchers to begin a project with a high risk of finding no results and limiting publication potential. Insignificant results, however, from a policy perspective is of great importance in drafting policy. This debate is not new and keeps being rediscussed. Instead of re-analysing the same issues over and over as others have done (Hambrick, 1994; Tourish, 2020), the Australian Journal of Management has chosen to instil positive change. Within universities, especially in Australia, the role academics play in society is shifting. There are constant messages to demonstrate how we are able to engage with industry, and the government has a high priority around the commercialisation and, perhaps more fitting for business and management academics, the translation and societal impact of research. To this extent, how research is able to inform policy debates will become highly regarded. At the Australian Journal of Management, we recognise the importance of research that engages with industry and policy, and is able to inform practice. We are also aware of the bias against publishing no-result studies, but the importance of such to policy makers. Accordingly, we are introducing a new stream of submissions around policy issues that follows a pre-registered model. The model for policy-based research will involve an initial submission that highlights the policy-related research question, the importance of the question, and the method upon which data will be collected and analysed. It is key to note that no data are to have been collected at this point.