An Empirical Analysis of Gender Representation in the Journal of Critical Incidents

This research examines the gender inclusiveness of case studies published by the Society for Case Research (SCR). The sample consists of one of the three refereed journals published by SCR. The authors examine the Journal of Critical Incidents (JCI) to determine the extent to which protagonists and authors in case studies are women. JCI publishes short case studies, called critical incidents, which are limited to one decision point at a maximum of three pages. Critical incidents, like case studies, can be written based on primary field research or based on secondary sources. This study provides data on the gender diversity of critical incident protagonists within the regulatory and business case context for diversity, equity, and inclusion. It also examines the case for inclusiveness in higher education and business schools, with particular attention to the AACSB’s emphasis on diversity, inclusion, and equity in many aspects of colleges of business, including faculty, students, and curriculum. This study also examines the gender of authors in the context of the gender of the protagonists. To the extent that women are not fully represented, the authors suggest journals make deliberate efforts to solicit more inclusive cases and provide insight for potential authors on how they can recruit businesses and model inclusiveness in their field research or use of secondary sources data. The authors also suggest that journals consider special issues on the topic of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). The paper includes suggestions for further research regarding gender, publication, and case studies. The authors also note possible barriers to case study and gender research if colleges’ criteria for publication do not adequately recognize the importance of diversity research.