Writing an Effective Literature Review for Empirical Articles: Key Insights by Senior Prof. Dr. Garry Tan Wei Han

BINUS Business School held a Research Talks that was attended by three professors. Amongst them is Senior Prof. Dr. Garry Tan Wei Han, a seasoned professor at UCSI Graduate Business School. Dr. Garry offers valuable advice on writing literature reviews for empirical articles. He emphasizes the importance of citing reputable journals and authors to bolster the credibility of your work. Dr. Garry highlights how top-tier journal editors assess the quality of your references and warns against citing blacklisted or predatory journals.

Key Takeaways:

1. Reputation of Journals: When conducting research, citing high-ranking journals significantly enhances the credibility of your work. Journals indexed in SCOPUS and Web of Science, as well as those listed in rankings like the ABDC (Australian Business Deans Council) or the ABS (Association of Business Schools), are viewed as top-tier sources. Dr. Garry emphasizes that editors often assess the quality of submissions by examining the references used. Citing respected and well-established journals not only boosts the confidence of editors but also reinforces the reliability of your research.
2. Understanding Theories: A key aspect of a robust literature review is the ability to distinguish between grand theories and middle-range theories. According to Dr. Garry, grand theories provide broad, overarching frameworks that guide the research objectives, while middle-range theories offer more focused explanations of specific behaviors or phenomena. Top-tier journals often prioritize grand theories, demanding that researchers delve deep into theoretical frameworks. To stand out, Dr. Garry suggests exploring less popular yet relevant theories that could add uniqueness and depth to your study.
3. Depth, Not Breadth: Rather than presenting a superficial overview of many theories, Dr. Garry advises that a literature review should offer in-depth insights into the evolution of a particular theory. A common mistake is creating a “laundry list” of studies without providing meaningful connections between them. Instead, he recommends tracing the development of a theory from its inception to its current applications. This approach demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter and adds value to your review.
4. Avoiding the “Black Box”: Dr. Garry warns against leaving gaps in your research by failing to explain the relationships between variables—what he refers to as the “black box” problem. If your study explores a relationship, such as how perceived usefulness leads to the intention to use, it’s essential to explain this connection clearly. Without detailed explanations, your readers, including journal editors, may be left with unanswered questions, weakening the impact of your research.
5. Proper Citation Practices: Accurate and ethical citation practices are critical for maintaining the integrity of your research. Dr. Garry underscores the importance of correct citation, both for building trust with editors and for avoiding plagiarism. Proper citation ensures that credit is given where it is due, and it bolsters the overall quality of your literature review by showing that you’ve engaged with reputable sources.

By focusing on these key elements—citing reputable journals, understanding different theoretical frameworks, providing depth in your literature review, clarifying relationships between variables, and ensuring proper citation practices—you can greatly improve the quality of your research. Dr. Garry’s advice serves as a valuable guide for researchers seeking to develop stronger empirical articles that stands out in top-tier academic publications or high-impact journals.