Peer review is the primary source of quality assurance in academic research and an essential aspect of publication in leading academic journals. The standing and reputation of academic journals is frequently judged by the standing and reputation of the Members of its Editorial or Advisory Board and, in turn, membership of such Boards is regarded as a mark of esteem for purposes of promotion and the Research Assessment Exercise.
The question is: Does one get invited to join an Editorial Board because one is already well known as a researcher? Or: Does one get well known as a researcher because one is a member of a leading journal’s Editorial Board? The answer is: Both. However, it is probably true to say that Editors tend to approach people they know personally because they are already familiar with their work.
Given that Marketing has recently been recognised as the UK’s fastest growing professional group - up from 350,000 to 550,000 in the past ten years – the likelihood that new academics will come quickly to the attention of the Editors of academic journals is becoming increasingly remote. To overcome this one needs to be proactive and let Editors know that you would like to get involved in the review process.
In addition to making yourself known to established experts in your area of interest, reviewing will also give you the opportunity to gain experience in distinguishing between more and less effective presentation and communication. An added bonus is that you will also be among the first to find out what developments are emerging in your chosen field.
If you would like to be considered as an ad hoc reviewer for the Journal of Customer Behaviour or Social Business – the first step towards becoming a regular reviewer and being invited onto the Board – please email the editorial office of the journal setting out those areas in which you are interested, together with a summary of your qualifications/credentials for the role.
Journal of Customer Behaviour jcbeditorial@westburn.co.uk
Social Business sbeditorial@westburn.co.uk
Our Book Review Editor, Dr. Andrew Lindridge, is also looking for persons to review new books for all of our journals. If you are interested – you get a publication and keep the book – please contact Andrew by email.