Truth, Journals, and Politics: The Case of the MIS Quarterly

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Abstract:

In this paper, we want to demonstrate the way in which regimes of truth at the MIS Quarterly (MISQ) have made it possible for certain types of research to be published there, and others not. The importance of this claim lies in the fact that publication in MISQ is often seen as an indication of status. Furthermore, publication in MISQ also plays an important role in decisions about tenure and promotion. However, the aim of the paper is not to rid MISQ of regimes of truth—this is not possible. The paper will argue, with Foucault, that all institutions always already have their politics of truth. The production of truth is always intimately tied to relations of power which itself depends upon truth for its sustenance. The aim of the paper is to show this intimate connection between truth and power. In particular, in the case of MISQ, we want to question the often-implied legitimacy and status that the MISQ has over and against other high quality journals in the field. Foucault argues that power is most effective when it hides itself. This paper is an attempt to make its face more public and open to scrutiny.

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