Table A1. Definitions for the main... | Emerald Publishing

Table A1.

Definitions for the main classification

Main classification	Definition
Viewpoint	A viewpoint paper, also known as a perspective paper, presents the author’s opinion, perspective or argument on a specific topic. It is based on the author’s expertise and may draw upon their experience, analysis or interpretation of existing literature. The primary goal of a viewpoint paper is to stimulate discussion, provide insights and offer alternative viewpoints on a particular subject matter. Key features of a viewpoint paper include:
	Author’s opinion: It expresses the author’s viewpoint, ideas or position on a specific topic
	Limited literature review: While a viewpoint paper may refer to existing literature, the focus is on the author’s unique perspective rather than an exhaustive review of previous research
	Reflective and subjective: the author’s personal perspective and subjective interpretation of the topic are prominent
	May propose solutions or recommendations: Viewpoint papers often propose recommendations, solutions or new directions based on the author’s viewpoint
	Engages in debate: It invites discussion, critique and dialogue among researchers or readers with differing perspectives
Conceptual	A conceptual paper focuses on developing or refining conceptual frameworks, theories, models or methodologies within a specific field of study. It explores abstract or theoretical ideas, aiming to enhance understanding or provide new insights into a particular phenomenon. The key characteristics of a conceptual paper include:
	Development of concepts: It aims to clarify, redefine or introduce new concepts, theories or models within a discipline
	Literature review: Conceptual papers involve a comprehensive review of existing literature to establish a foundation for the proposed conceptual framework
	Analytical and logical: They employ analytical reasoning and logical argumentation to elaborate on the conceptual framework or theory
	Emphasises theoretical contributions: Conceptual papers prioritise the development of theoretical knowledge and contribute to the scholarly understanding of a topic
	May lack empirical data: Conceptual papers often rely on theoretical or hypothetical constructs rather than empirical evidence
Empirical	Empirical papers require the collection of new data or the use of already collected data to present original research findings and contribute new knowledge to a specific field or topic. Empirical papers focus on analysing the collected data and drawing conclusions based on the findings.
Literature review	Literature review papers do not involve original data collection. Instead, they rely on secondary sources such as academic journals, books, conference proceedings and other reliable literature sources to review and analyse existing studies.

Main classification	Definition
Viewpoint	A viewpoint paper, also known as a perspective paper, presents the author’s opinion, perspective or argument on a specific topic. It is based on the author’s expertise and may draw upon their experience, analysis or interpretation of existing literature. The primary goal of a viewpoint paper is to stimulate discussion, provide insights and offer alternative viewpoints on a particular subject matter. Key features of a viewpoint paper include:
	Author’s opinion: It expresses the author’s viewpoint, ideas or position on a specific topic
	Limited literature review: While a viewpoint paper may refer to existing literature, the focus is on the author’s unique perspective rather than an exhaustive review of previous research
	Reflective and subjective: the author’s personal perspective and subjective interpretation of the topic are prominent
	May propose solutions or recommendations: Viewpoint papers often propose recommendations, solutions or new directions based on the author’s viewpoint
	Engages in debate: It invites discussion, critique and dialogue among researchers or readers with differing perspectives
Conceptual	A conceptual paper focuses on developing or refining conceptual frameworks, theories, models or methodologies within a specific field of study. It explores abstract or theoretical ideas, aiming to enhance understanding or provide new insights into a particular phenomenon. The key characteristics of a conceptual paper include:
	Development of concepts: It aims to clarify, redefine or introduce new concepts, theories or models within a discipline
	Literature review: Conceptual papers involve a comprehensive review of existing literature to establish a foundation for the proposed conceptual framework
	Analytical and logical: They employ analytical reasoning and logical argumentation to elaborate on the conceptual framework or theory
	Emphasises theoretical contributions: Conceptual papers prioritise the development of theoretical knowledge and contribute to the scholarly understanding of a topic
	May lack empirical data: Conceptual papers often rely on theoretical or hypothetical constructs rather than empirical evidence
Empirical	Empirical papers require the collection of new data or the use of already collected data to present original research findings and contribute new knowledge to a specific field or topic. Empirical papers focus on analysing the collected data and drawing conclusions based on the findings.
Literature review	Literature review papers do not involve original data collection. Instead, they rely on secondary sources such as academic journals, books, conference proceedings and other reliable literature sources to review and analyse existing studies.

Source(s): Authors’ own work