Abstract:
In this theoretical essay, we understand peer review as an assessment of scientific articles by researchers or experts in specific areas. Such process is at the heart of all science. Even though science seeks accuracy ("Research is precise"), that is, building laws, the assessment of scientific articles is marked by imprecision ("Publishing is imprecise"). The essay rescues the historical origins of peer review, born from the desire of censorship and quality control. It then presents the controversies present in its use, pointing out its deficiencies, to the curious lack of attention it has been getting in the academy as well as to the alternatives of improvement. The essay describes the way the Academy of Management welcomes its beginner assessor (first review) and proposes alternatives to enhance the performance of the article reviewers for magazines and Brazilian conferences in the area of Administration.
Key words:
Peer review; History of science; Scientific publishing