Rising like a phoenix: From suppression to 6.967

Let us start by sharing some amazing news. In the recently published 2020 Clarivate Journal Citation Reports, BEER has been listed with an Impact Factor of 6.967, which represents extraordinary improvement compared to previous years, and a strong comeback after suppression that journal faced in 2019 (Jamali et al., 2020). As many you might know, part increase across outlets are included Reports is due changes Clarivate's evaluation method, now accounting for citations associated Early View/Online First manuscripts (Neophytou, Nevertheless, looking at discipline-specific rankings, ranked 2nd (out 56) Ethics category 36th 153) Business category. This corresponds first quartile both categories, best position achieved so far. We would like thank everyone our community their support making success helping make such visible significant leap forward! It worth noting these recent achievements represent astonishing turnaround, given suppression. acutely aware important role JCR plays visibility perceived quality any academic journal. Many stakeholders have exposed fallout caused suppressed Factor, be it terms preventing authors from submitting because institutions' research assessment criteria; more difficult Associate Editors find suitable reviewers; or entire editorial team continue attracting submissions. Yet, we managed not only survive but also rise phoenix, enormously grateful efforts all stakeholders! The truth turned on possible alarm bells team. Since then, thinking long hard about how get back. And, back, aim even higher, ensure recovery better strategic repositioning. Although doing since day one, thing paid special attention taking much greater control over review process, significantly improving turnaround times ensuring accepted meets expected level. addition, papers, hired Social Media Editor, who actively promoting BEER's publications, latest news related journal, engaging great scholars manifold online platforms, including Twitter (@BEER_Wiley), Facebook (BEER Wiley), LinkedIn (Business Ethics, Environment & Responsibility). recruiting expanding Editors, sure covering business disciplines where ethics-, sustainability- CSR-related topics being researched. Finally, introduced new section—BEER Heterodoxies. Contributions this section revisit theoretically discuss problem thought, outlining accounts depart challenge axioms established paradigms literature ethics, corporate responsibility sustainability. For further details, contribution types, please visit: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/pb-assets/26946424/BEER_Heterodoxies_Information-1620723755313.pdf. Despite above-discussed success, believe there are, arguably, limitations system scheme briefly elucidate purposes utmost transparency. A high while providing pointers regarding article engagement, does necessarily indicate scholarship, let alone impact. will able think deserve higher (lower) Factor. dynamics publication process compare performance sub-disciplines. However, regardless drawbacks, reality competitive vital outlet, influencing its positioning major rankings (e.g., ABS ABDC), shaping number submitted manuscripts, attract well-established reviewers. Likewise, carries considerable weight researchers. increased proliferation quantitative metrics institutions determine salary increments, promotions and, ultimately, potential break careers. can rough proxy quality, one out range indicators capture value output. Put cynically, purely based widespread metrics, getting worst paper into highest could as viable strategy—with added benefit poor potentially, “rewarded” citations. But, really what want? Is way discern quality? want shape careers generate “impact”? From perspective knowledge creation impact, somewhat artificial. Ultimately, clear prioritisation small “elite” publications 3/4/4* those FT list) means often overwhelmed increasing submissions partly consequence, lower acceptance rates. generally tied together delays manuscript handling production. all-too-often institutionally imposed need “high” then eventually move down resulting duplication processes oftentimes, artificial adaptations match specific journal's style, language formatting used, methods adopted, contributions. healthy advancing knowledge? produce assess scholarship? Partially response challenges, re-design faculty evaluations, de-emphasising components Factors, ranking, ABDC list). Institutions Ghent University Catholic Leuven Belgium, Glasgow Scotland, taken measures enable qualitative, holistic evaluations performance, thus turning away—at least certain extent—from (Mejlgaard 2020; Redden, 2019). Accreditation Bodies country-level Research Councils started away predominantly assessment, seeking evaluate originality, significance rigour comprehensive mix qualitative Bisoux, 2019; REF, Therefore, keenly on-going journey, improvements gradually temper Factors Citations play central role. Now recovered improved beyond well-deserved celebrations, keen maintain ascending trajectory sustain phoenix-like BEER. Our supporting broader sense, relevant research, conceptual empirical, contribute advancement sustainability CSR, academia, practice humanity large. strive developmental accessible wide world, provide rigorous constructive peer reviews developing refining contributions, level required meaningful substantive note that, credible outlet 30-year history, here stay growing evolving time. Being smaller, specialised presents advantage continuous rigour, relevance impact nurture support. Steered committed co-editors, do help grow full potential. will, course, mindful Elsevier CiteScore, admittedly imperfect useful yardsticks, demonstrate time appeal wider authors, reviewers readers. determined rely single metric but, rather, portfolio alternative yield performance. Very line give outstanding 2021 Best Paper Award decided public vote—please identify paper! You information voting procedure around mid-September https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/26946424/homepage/bestpaperaward. To conclude, very proud improvement, should pinch salt, overall puzzle. reminded mission, namely relating dissemination useful, managers, policy-makers, focus energy channelled. platform contributions regard. precious gift entrusted with, look after, intentions, proper continued growth advancement.