Publication strategy for junior researchers: Quantity vs. quality, the first authorship and the optimal number of authors

Paper in proceeding, 2012

A good publication record is one of the most important prerequisites of a successful academic career in IS. Despite the weight hiring and promotion committees place on it, the definition of a "good publication record" especially for junior researchers remains unclear. Indeed, is it better to have one A-publication or three B-publications? Does being the third author on an A-publication have a bigger weight than being the first author on a B-publication? Should one strive to publish with as few coauthors as possible to demonstrate that one is capable of independent work? Facing these ambiguities, young researchers are increasingly asking themselves about the choices they make with regard to their publication strategy. Equally, academic mentors have a strong interest in correctly setting incentives of their young protégés. If unaddressed, uncertainty regarding these issues is bound to interfere with the quality of the IS research and scholars' job and life satisfaction. This panel proposal aims to offer a forum for discussion and clarification on these problematic issues. Specifically, the following topics will be raised: quantity vs. quality, value of the first authorship and optimal number of authors.