What makes some research papers more 'popular' than others? Inferential network analysis insights into technology leadership research in the field of educational administration

Decades of bibliometric research have illuminated intellectual development and knowledge production in educational administration, yet less is known about the citation motivations underlying scholarly communication. This study investigates citation behaviours in technology leadership research, using a fine-grained network analysis approach. Results reveal three tensions shaping citation patterns: established versus emerging scholars, journal prestige versus journal coverage, and homophily versus diversification. Established scholars exert a consolidating influence on citation networks, while emerging scholars increasingly cite one another. Journal inbreeding, gender, ethnicity, and national affiliations shape citation decisions. These findings extend bibliometric research by showing how citation practices reflect broader patterns of academic recognition and social affiliation. They also have implications for citation equity, doctoral training, editorial policy, and research evaluation. Universities, publishers, and funding agencies can use such insights to support more transparent and inclusive scholarly communication, creating greater space for both established and emerging scholars to contribute to the field.