THE EARLIEST BIBLIOMETRIC ANALYSIS ON COVID-19 SOCIAL SCIENCE RESEARCH: A REVIEW, SYNTHESIS AND FUTURE RESEARCH AGENDA

Abstract

This paper presents one of the earliest bibliometric analyses on the topic of COVID-19 in social sciences. Initially conducted during the height of the pandemic, the study remains relevant by offering valuable insights into the evolution of research trends and identifying foundational gaps that have since influenced further scholarly work. The objective is to provide a comprehensive bibliometric analysis report that helps the research community understand both the early status and the ongoing development of COVID-19-related research in the social sciences. The analysis examined 899 articles published from January 1st to June 31st, 2020, in Scopus-listed journals. Key parameters such as country of publication, authorship, citation patterns, journal of publication, and keyword distribution were analysed.

Additionally, 73 early studies within business and management disciplines were reviewed, highlighting significant early research contributions in sectors like tourism, healthcare, education, and financial services. The visualization of international collaboration and keyword co-occurrence using VOS viewer software provided critical insights into responsive areas like policy studies, governance, public administration, information systems, human resource management, and crisis management.

In retrospect, these early findings provided valuable insights during the initial stages of the pandemic and continue to inform ongoing research addressing the long-term societal and business impacts. While this study offers a baseline understanding from the early pandemic period, its relevance persists in examining how these foundational insights have shaped the current trajectory of pandemic-related research in the social sciences.