Is the readability of abstracts decreasing in management research?

Abstract The readability of scientific texts is critical for the successful distribution research findings. I replicate a recent study which found that abstracts articles in life sciences became less readable over time. Specifically, sample 28,345 from 17 leading journals field management and organization 3 decades, two established indicators time, namely Flesch Reading Ease New Dale–Chall Readability Formula. find modest trend towards abstracts, leads to an increase are extremely hard read 12% first decade 16% final sample. further increasing number authors partially explains this trend, as do use jargon corresponding author affiliations with institutions English-speaking countries. discuss implications authors, reviewers, editors management.