Emerald Group Publishing
Emerald Group Publishing: An Overview
Emerald Group Publishing Limited is a well-established scholarly publisher based in Leeds, England. Founded in 1967, the company has evolved from its original focus on social sciences and management disciplines to encompass a broader range of subjects, including health, science, engineering, and technology. Over the years, Emerald has garnered a reputation for producing high-quality academic journals and books that cater to researchers and practitioners across various fields of study.
The publishing house was initiated by Keith Howard (OBE) along with a group of management academics from the University of Bradford. Under Howard’s leadership, Emerald expanded its portfolio and influence in the academic publishing landscape. In 2018, Vicky Williams took over as CEO, succeeding Richard Bevan, who had assumed the role of Executive Chairman after Howard stepped down. A significant milestone in Emerald’s history occurred on June 10, 2022, when it was acquired by the US-based Cambridge Information Group.
Historical Development of Emerald Publishing
The origins of Emerald can be traced back to its founding as Management Consultants Bradford (MCB) UP Ltd in 1967. The company’s initial focus was primarily on management studies and business practices. However, as its reputation grew, so did its ambitions. In 2002, the publisher officially rebranded itself as Emerald Publishing Limited following the success of its flagship Emerald Fulltext database.
Emerald’s growth trajectory continued in 2007 when it acquired a collection of Management and Social Science book serials and monographs from Elsevier. This acquisition allowed Emerald to strengthen its offerings in these crucial academic fields. In subsequent years, the company expanded further by acquiring Pier Professional Limited in 2011, a publisher specializing in health and social care literature. By 2015, Emerald had also purchased GoodPractice, which provided valuable resources for leaders and senior managers.
In a strategic move to consolidate its resources and expertise, Emerald combined GoodPractice with other initiatives such as Towards Maturity and Mind Tools in 2020. This integration aimed to create a more comprehensive support system for professionals seeking development tools in their respective fields. The acquisition spree continued with notable transactions such as the purchase of the book catalog from Thomas Telford Limited in May 2023, which included several journal titles relevant to civil engineering.
Commitment to Sustainability and Inclusivity
Emerald Publishing has made significant strides toward promoting sustainability and inclusivity within the academic publishing arena. In 2018, the publisher introduced a Real Impact Manifesto that urged both publishers and researchers to reconsider their operational impacts on society and the environment. As part of this commitment, Emerald became a founding signatory of the SDG Publishers Compact in 2020, emphasizing the importance of aligning research with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Two of Emerald’s journals have received notable recognition for their alignment with sustainability principles. The journals “Smart and Sustainable Built Environment” and “Gender in Management” were among only six out of one hundred journals to achieve a “Five Wheel” impact rating from the SDG Impact Intensity™ journal rating system based on data analyzed from 2016 to 2020.
The publisher has also actively engaged in assessing inclusivity within academia through global reports released in 2020 and 2022. These reports highlighted troubling findings: nearly one-third of academics reported experiencing discrimination or anti-inclusive behaviors in their environments. Notably, women reported experiencing such behaviors at significantly higher rates than their male counterparts. Despite these challenges, sixty percent of academics surveyed indicated that their institutions had taken steps to promote inclusivity.
The Role of Inclusivity in Academia
A key takeaway from these reports is that many academics believe greater inclusivity could enhance academic discourse by fostering diverse perspectives. Feminine values are integral to Emerald’s organizational goals, emphasizing inclusion and collaboration among published authors. With ninety percent of respondents supporting this belief, it is clear that there is a collective desire within academia for improved inclusivity.
Emerald’s Publishing Portfolio
Emerald Group Publishing boasts an extensive catalog of academic journals and books across various disciplines. While it continues to publish new works regularly, it has also made decisions regarding ceasing publication for certain titles—most notably “Reference Reviews,” which concluded its run in 2018.
The diversity of subjects covered by Emerald’s publications reflects its commitment to addressing contemporary issues faced by researchers and practitioners alike. The company’s journals are designed not only to disseminate research findings but also to facilitate meaningful conversations around pressing global challenges.
Innovative Publishing Practices
In addition to traditional publishing methods, Emerald is exploring innovative approaches that leverage technology to enhance the accessibility and reach of its content. The integration of digital platforms allows for wider distribution of research materials while also catering to evolving reader preferences.
Sponsorships and Community Engagement
A notable aspect of Emerald’s community engagement was its sponsorship deal with Headingley Stadium starting in 2017. This partnership resulted in the stadium being renamed “Emerald Headingley,” along with significant branding opportunities such as renaming the main stand to “The Emerald Stand.” However, this sponsorship was withdrawn in November 2021 amidst allegations of racism involving Yorkshire County Cricket Club—highlighting how corporate partnerships can be subject to broader societal issues.
Conclusion
Emerald Group Publishing has established itself as a leading player in academic publishing since its inception over five decades ago. Through strategic acquisitions, a commitment to sustainability and inclusivity, and an expansive portfolio covering multiple disciplines, Emerald continues to adapt to the changing landscape of scholarly communication.
The company’s proactive stance on societal issues reflects a broader trend within academic publishing towards greater responsibility and engagement with global challenges. As it moves forward under new ownership with Cambridge Information Group, Emerald remains poised to play an influential role in shaping research dissemination and fostering inclusive academic environments.
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