Why Researchers Choose Human Relations for High-Impact Publications
Human Relations stands as a cornerstone in the field of general HR, offering a platform for groundbreaking research in organizational behavior, sociology, and management. Established in 1947, this SAGE Publications journal has built a reputation for publishing innovative studies that bridge theory and practice in human relations. With an impact factor of 5.077, it attracts scholars seeking to disseminate work that influences both academia and industry. The journal's rigorous peer-review process ensures high standards, making it a preferred choice for researchers aiming to contribute to conversations on workplace dynamics, leadership, and social structures.
Its interdisciplinary approach covers topics from employee relations to organizational change, appealing to a global audience. Researchers value Human Relations for its commitment to open dialogue and empirical rigor, often citing its role in advancing human resource management theories. Whether exploring conflict resolution or diversity in organizations, the journal provides a space for nuanced analysis. For those considering submission, the hybrid model offers flexibility between traditional and open access routes, enhancing visibility. To learn more about academic opportunities, visit higher education jobs.
The editorial team emphasizes relevance to contemporary challenges, such as remote work and ethical leadership. Past issues reveal a rich archive of influential articles, from classic studies on group dynamics to modern examinations of AI in HR. Submitting to Human Relations means joining a legacy of thought leaders. Aspiring authors should review the detailed guidelines to align their work with the journal's scope. This guide equips researchers with essential insights into metrics, processes, and strategies for success. Explore further resources like Rate My Professor for faculty insights or academic calendar for deadlines.
Overview & History
Human Relations was founded in 1947 by the Tavistock Institute of Human Relations in London, initially focusing on post-war industrial relations and social psychology. Over decades, it evolved into a leading international journal under SAGE Publications since 2007. The journal's mission remains to foster understanding of human behavior in organizational contexts, drawing from sociology, psychology, and management sciences. Key milestones include its early contributions to human relations theory and later expansions into global workplace issues. Today, it publishes bimonthly, with a circulation that reaches scholars worldwide. Its historical depth provides a foundation for current research, making it indispensable for studies in general HR.
Scope and Disciplines Covered
Human Relations encompasses a broad spectrum of topics in human relations, emphasizing empirical and theoretical work on organizations and society. Core areas include organizational behavior, labor relations, and social dynamics at work.
| Discipline | Description |
|---|---|
| Organizational Studies | Explores structures, cultures, and processes within organizations. |
| Sociology of Work | Analyzes social interactions, power, and inequality in professional settings. |
| Human Resource Management | Covers recruitment, development, and employee well-being strategies. |
| Management and Leadership | Investigates decision-making, ethics, and innovation in leadership roles. |
| Industrial Relations | Focuses on labor disputes, unions, and policy implications. |
Manuscripts should demonstrate originality and relevance to interdisciplinary audiences. For related career paths, check organizational behavior jobs.
Key Journal Metrics
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Impact Factor | 5.077 | Clarivate JCR 2022 |
| 5-Year Impact Factor | 6.234 | Clarivate JCR 2022 |
| CiteScore | 9.8 | Scopus 2022 |
| Acceptance Rate | Not publicly disclosed | N/A |
| h-Index | 142 | Scopus |
These metrics highlight Human Relations' influence in general HR research. High citation rates underscore its value for career advancement; see Rate My Professor for peer reviews.
Indexing and Abstracting
Human Relations is indexed in major databases, ensuring wide discoverability. It appears in Web of Science (Social Sciences Citation Index), Scopus, and PubMed for relevant interdisciplinary content. Other services include EBSCO, ProQuest, and JSTOR for archival access. DOAJ lists it as a hybrid journal, supporting open access visibility. Researchers benefit from these listings for tracking citations and collaborations. For submission tips, explore academic calendar events.
- Web of Science: Core Collection
- Scopus: Q1 in Sociology and Management
- Google Scholar: High visibility
Publication Model and Fees
As a hybrid journal, Human Relations offers traditional subscription-based publishing alongside gold open access. The standard route incurs no author fees, with SAGE covering production costs through subscriptions. For open access, the Article Processing Charge (APC) is $3,000, waivable for corresponding authors from low-income countries per SAGE's policy. Sherpa/RoMEO classifies it as green archiving compliant, allowing preprint deposits. This model balances accessibility and sustainability, appealing to diverse researchers. Details are available on the official journal homepage.
Submission Process and Guidelines
Submissions are handled via SAGE's ScholarOne Manuscripts portal. Authors must prepare manuscripts in double-spaced format, up to 10,000 words, with abstracts under 200 words. Ethical standards follow COPE guidelines, requiring originality declarations. The process involves initial editorial screening, followed by double-anonymized peer review, averaging 3-6 months. Guidelines emphasize clear methodology and implications for practice. For first-time submitters, reviewing sample articles aids alignment. Access the portal through the official journal homepage. Related resources include academic writing jobs.
Editorial Board Highlights
The editorial board comprises distinguished scholars from top institutions. Editor-in-Chief Paul du Gay from Copenhagen Business School leads with expertise in organization studies. Associate editors include specialists in gender and work from the University of Sydney and labor sociology from Cornell University. This international team ensures diverse perspectives, enhancing the journal's global reach. Board members' affiliations span Europe, North America, and Asia, reflecting Human Relations' broad appeal.
Why Publish in Human Relations?
Publishing in Human Relations elevates a researcher's profile due to its prestige and readership. The journal's focus on impactful, interdisciplinary work leads to citations that boost academic careers. Authors gain from SAGE's marketing and archiving, plus opportunities for special issues on emerging topics like digital transformation in HR. Compared to peers, it offers faster review times and higher visibility. For career benefits, visit Rate My Professor.
Comparison with Similar Journals
| Journal | Impact Factor | Publisher | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Organization Studies | 5.5 | SAGE | Broader organizational theory |
| Journal of Management | 13.5 | SAGE | General management |
| Work, Employment and Society | 3.2 | SAGE | Sociology of employment |
| Human Resource Management Journal | 4.1 | Wiley | HR practices |
Human Relations distinguishes itself with its socio-psychological lens on relations at work. For alternatives, consider academic calendar for conference alignments.
Researcher Tips for Successful Submission
To succeed, tailor abstracts to highlight novelty and theoretical contributions. Engage with recent issues for citation gaps. Ensure data transparency and diverse methodologies. Seek feedback from colleagues before submission. Track progress via the portal and prepare for revisions. These steps increase acceptance chances in this competitive venue. For ongoing support, explore research positions.