Factors contributing to success in research and publications: insights of influential accounting authors

In the current accounting academic environment, success in research and publications is an increasingly important precondition to professional success and advancement. The objective of this study is to help accounting faculty members to better understand how they might increase their success in the research and publication arena. A survey was conducted of 119 influential accounting researchers, defined as those with annual citation counts of 4.0 or more to their bodies of work in five top accounting journals. These authors were asked to identify and rate the most important factors contributing to their success in research and publications. Over half (62) responded and listed a total of 391 items. These are organized under several major headings as an aid to readers understanding of their commonalities and areas of emphasis.