“Influencer Relations: Detailing the Concept and Broadening the Perspective”
DETAILS
Call for Papers – Special Issue: “Influencer Relations: Detailing the Concept and Broadening the Perspective”
Journal: Journal of Communication Management
Publisher: Emerald Publishing
Process: Two-step (Abstract review followed by invitation to submit full paper)
Full Paper Submission Deadline: 15 November 2026
Overview
This special issue seeks to advance the conceptual and empirical understanding of Influencer Relations within communication management and public relations (PR). Despite the rise of influencer marketing, the field of "Influencer Relations" remains undertheorised and often limited to functional perspectives. This collection aims to move beyond simple campaign management to explore Influencer Relations as a strategic PR function.
Key Research Directions
The guest editors encourage contributions that address at least one of the following:
Conceptual Elaboration: Rigorously defining "Influencer Relations" as a distinct field of communication management.
Theoretical Application: Applying core PR and communication management theories—such as dialogue, reputation, relationship management, issues management, and public affairs—to the context of influencers.
Non-Functional Perspectives: Exploring Influencer Relations through the lenses of the critical-cultural, social-reflective, or co-creational paradigms, moving beyond the dominant functional/managerial focus.
Submission Process
This special issue operates on a two-step review process:
Abstract Submission: Submit an abstract (approx. 500 words, excluding references/tables) for review by the guest editors.
Deadline: 30 April 2026
Email for abstracts: nils.borchers@uni-tuebingen.de
Full Paper Submission: Authors invited after the abstract review will submit their full manuscripts for double-blind peer review.
Deadline: 15 November 2026
Important Dates
Abstract Submission Deadline: 30 April 2026
Invitations to Submit Full Papers: 15 May 2026
Full Paper Submission Deadline: 15 November 2026
Publication: Late 2027
Guest Editors
Nils S. Borchers, University of Tübingen, Germany
Hanna Reinikainen, University of Helsinki, Finland
Why This Matters
The field currently lacks a cohesive understanding of how influencers function as strategically substantial secondary stakeholders. By applying broader PR theories and critical perspectives, this issue aims to elevate Influencer Relations from a "draft stage" concept into a robust academic and practical pillar of strategic communication.
ServiceSetu Academics — Premier Platform for Academic Opportunities & Research Collaboration
COMMENTS (0)
Sign in to join the conversation
SIGN IN TO COMMENT