A bibliometric review of dividend policy across disciplines: Mapping the evolution from 2000 to 2025

Abstract

This bibliometric study provides a comprehensive overview of research trends and intellectual structures within the field of dividend policy. Utilizing a dataset of 4830 documents retrieved from Scopus, spanning from the early 2000s to 2025, this research aims to identify key themes, influential authors, prominent sources, and emerging areas of interest in dividend policy literature. The primary objective is to map the scientific landscape of this domain, highlighting its evolution and current state. Data sources include Scopus-indexed publications, with analysis focusing on subject areas such as Economics, Econometrics and Finance, and Business, Management and Accounting, which collectively represent the core of commerce, accounting, and finance research. Initial findings indicate a consistent growth in publications related to dividend policy, with significant contributions from various countries and institutions. The study also reveals the most prolific authors and journals, underscoring their impact on shaping the discourse. While specific granular data on individual papers (e.g., full text, detailed methodologies) was not available, the aggregated data provides a robust foundation for understanding macro-level trends. The result highlights how dynamic dividend policy research is, influenced by shifting market dynamics, legislative modifications, and corporate governance standards.