On January 12, 2026, an extensive bibliometric data collection process was undertaken to gather accurate and up-to-date citation information. This data formed the foundation for the citation-based metrics employed in the ranking. The institutional positions are derived from the aggregated sum of D-indexes—or Discipline H-indexes—of all ranking-eligible scholars affiliated with each institution whose primary publication domain is Business and Management. Importantly, the D-index reflects exclusively publications and citation data strictly within the examined discipline, providing a highly focused measure of scholarly impact in this area.
Scope and Criteria of Research Examination
This ranking comprehensively examined 279,971 scientist profiles identified through a variety of bibliometric data sources, ultimately refining the focus to 11,376 scientists specializing specifically in Business and Management disciplines. The qualifying threshold for inclusion required a minimum D-index of 30, with the majority of tier publications attributed directly to Business and Management research. Additional consideration was given to the individual scientists’ awards and notable achievements within the field, ensuring recognition of broader scholarly excellence.
The D-index threshold for identifying top researchers is dynamically adjusted in increments of 10 relative to the total number of scholars estimated in each discipline, thereby guaranteeing that the top 1% of leading scientists are incorporated into the list. Furthermore, to maintain fidelity to disciplinary focus, a maximum proximity of 30% or less between a scientist’s overall H-index and their discipline-specific D-index is enforced. This rigorous approach ensures that the ranking reflects authentic leadership and specialized impact in Business and Management scholarship.
Verification Practices and Methodological Rigor
Recognizing that raw bibliometric data is insufficient as a sole evaluative tool, the Research.com team implements meticulous manual verification procedures. Each scientist's profile is carefully examined and cross-correlated against publications listed in a wide array of trustworthy trusted sources to confirm accuracy and authenticity. While the number of publications in prominent journals and conferences is not a formal factor influencing ranking position, it remains an important secondary indicator of a scholar’s research contribution within the discipline.
Positions within the ranking are ultimately established through each researcher’s H-index data sourced from OpenAlex and CrossRef—leading bibliometric databases renowned for their quality and comprehensiveness. These robust data sources, in conjunction with rigorous verification practices, underscore the credibility and reliability of our rankings.
For a detailed exposition of the methodology and data handling procedures, we encourage readers to consult our methodology page.
Research.com’s Mission and Agenda
The creation of this ranking is driven by Research.com’s commitment to fostering transparency and motivation within the global academic and business communities. Our mission is to empower scientists, business leaders, and policymakers to discern where leading experts are focused and to enable the broader research community to identify the foremost authorities in specific disciplines, across countries, and within institutions. We strive to support informed decision-making, encourage collaboration, and elevate the visibility of impactful research worldwide.
Summary of Key Ranking Results
- Top Institutions by Number of Leading Scientists:
- University of Pennsylvania – 35 scientists
- Arizona State University – 28 scientists
- Hong Kong Polytechnic University – 24 scientists
- Most Prominent Scholars Globally in Business and Management Are Affiliated With: Texas A&M University, HEC Montréal, University of Washington, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, University of Sydney, Asia School of Business, George Mason University, University of California, Berkeley, INSEAD, and University of Oklahoma.
- Top Individual Scholars in the World:
- Professor Michael A. Hitt, Texas A&M University — D-index 141
- Gilbert Laporte, HEC Montréal — D-index 137
- Bruce J. Avolio, University of Washington — D-index 122
- Average Total D-index: Top 5% universities average 814, compared to 162 for all 814 institutions included in the ranking.
- Average Number of Published Articles in Business and Management: Scientists affiliated with the top 5% universities produce an average of 2,652 articles, significantly outpacing the general average of 582 across all ranked universities.
- Average Citation Counts: Researchers affiliated with the top 1% universities have accrued 279,971 citations on average, vastly exceeding the overall average of 58,212 citations for all institutions.
These results reflect the painstakingly meticulous data gathering, validation, and ranking methodology employed by Research.com, confirming the ranking’s place as a credible and insightful resource for the global academic and business research community.
