A bibliometric analysis of service research from Asia

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the contribution of Asian researchers towards the literature on service science. In achieving this aim, a review of papers published in five top service research journals is carried out. Design/methodology/approach Papers from the following five service research journals are reviewed: International Journal of Service Industry, Management, Journal of Services Marketing, Journal of Service Research, Managing Service Quality, and Service Industries Journal. The review considers all papers published in the journals over a 14-year period from 1995 to 2008. The abstract and main body of the papers are analyzed for content. Findings This paper identifies the core contribution of researchers from Asian countries. The top five Asian countries identified are Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Israel, and South Korea. Also identified are patterns and emphases in service research across different countries. Research limitations/implications This paper focuses on five top service research journals over a 14-year period. Patterns of research emphasis in over 280 publications are analyzed. Further studies can include other journals and/or conferences in service science. Practical implications Scholars can benefit from insights into the contribution by Asian researchers in services. Specifically, the paper notes the particular emphases of research from different Asian countries while acknowledging the reach and richness of their contributions. Originality/value The main value of this paper is its uniqueness in discussing the contribution of researchers specific to Asian countries in top service journals. This paper provides valuable insights into the nature of academic publishing of Asian researchers in this burgeoning area.