Concentration of power at the editorial boards of economics journals

Using a unique dataset covering 106 economics journals over the period 1990–2011, we document trends in incidence of multiple positions, editorial duration and institutional background for 6192 board members. We put these figures into perspective using literature on boards directors measures market concentration. The picture that emerges is discipline with high concentration individual power, especially at more prestigious journals. Evidence suggests this indeed matters: there strong negative association between journal impact.