Overcoming Rejection: Expert Tips and Solutions for Your Latest Paper Submission

Happy New Year, everyone! I hope 2023 is treating you well so far. At Organization Science, we have some fresh articles to share, including an insightful piece by Lindy Greer about handling rejection—something I find especially valuable as I gear up for a career filled with challenges and setbacks. I’d love to hear your thoughts on rejection and any coping strategies you have in the comments!

Speaking from experience, I’ve faced my fair share of rejections, particularly during my time working on cross-border mergers and acquisitions. We had a motto: “Never fall in love with a deal.” It sounds good, but it’s often easier said than done. After dedicating months—even years—to tracking a potential acquisition and conducting thorough analysis, it’s disheartening when a project gets shot down by management, falters in a government review, or gets outright rejected.

There was one major deal in Ghana that I invested significant effort into. It was billed as the largest discovery in a decade. Yet, our board rejected it due to its novelty and perceived heightened risk, causing us to bid nearly one-third less than ExxonMobil. Reflecting back now, that rejection turned out to be a fortunate decision, as the discovery ultimately did not meet expectations.

This issue features several technology-focused papers, diving into topics surrounding electricity production as well as the history of corporate research and regulations that affect technological advancements. Here are some highlights:

Attention Focus and New Opportunities: The Moderating Role of Managerial Attention to Alternative Issues

Authors: John Eklund, Manav Raj, J. P. Eggers

This study looks at how senior managers juggle multiple priorities and how attention to various issues can slow down action on key initiatives. This is particularly important for smaller companies that lack resources. The findings emphasize the challenge of maintaining focus amid competing demands.

Regulation and Innovation Revisited
Authors: Michael Park, Shuping Wu, Russell J. Funk
This paper explores the complex relationship between regulations and innovation. It suggests that while restrictive regulations may limit some activities, they can also prompt companies to innovate in unexpected ways, depending on the context and nature of the regulation.

Beefing IT up for your Investor?
Authors: Annamaria Conti, Christian Peukert, Maria P. Roche
This research looks at how early-stage startups that engage with open source communities can enhance their chances of funding. It finds that these collaborations can lead to better products and funding outcomes, particularly for innovative tech startups.

The Rise of Scientific Research in Corporate America

Authors: Ashish Arora, Sharon Belenzon, Konstantin Kosenko, Jungkyu Suh, Yishay Yafeh
This paper studies the growth of corporate research in the U.S. since the 1920s and its impact on technological advancements. It highlights how companies developed their own research capabilities to overcome barriers and drive innovation in an evolving market.

Handling rejection is tough for everyone in academia. After pouring months or years into a paper only to face rejection can feel heartbreaking. Here are a few strategies to help you cope and push through.

• Don’t give up! If you believed in your paper enough to submit it, keep the momentum going. Set a timeline for when you will revisit and revise it.
• Avoid resubmitting without changes. That original reviewer may haunt you again. Instead, address their concerns before trying elsewhere.
• Don’t let your revisions turn your paper into a “Frankenstein” of different ideas. Stick to what strengthens your main points and maintain clarity.

Taking Care of Yourself:

1. Allow yourself time to feel the disappointment. Acknowledge your emotions and consider treating yourself to something small to lift your spirits.
2. Make a positive plan moving forward. Engage with feedback constructively. You might try visualizing what a mentor or friend would advise you to do next.
3. Gather support from coauthors or friends. Sharing strategies and discussing reviewer comments can lessen the burden and spark new ideas.
4. Identify recurring reviewer feedback and focus on addressing those points in your revisions to improve your odds the next time you submit.
5. Seek informal reviews from peers to ensure your revisions are effective. Fresh eyes can catch issues you might not notice after being too close to the work.
6. Don’t forget to celebrate when you resubmit your work! Acknowledge the effort it took to push through—maybe treat yourself to a nice dinner or send thank-you notes to those who supported you.

Remember, rejection is part of the journey. Each setback can lead to valuable lessons and improvements in your work. Keep going!

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