Shaping roles through expectations and motivations

Researcher–communicator interactions in science communication

Bibliographic Data

ID21696081
AuthorsDominick Argento (0000-0003-2417-469X, Kristianstad University Department of Business), Özgün Imre (0000-0002-8621-6560, Kristianstad University Department of Business), Lisa Källström (0000-0002-0653-5220, Kristianstad University Department of Business)
Year2026
Volume30
Issue5
Pages36-54
Publication date2026-12-14
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Communication Management (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1363-254X • E-ISSN: 1478-0852
PublisherEmerald (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1108/jcom-10-2025-0288
OpenAlexW7163337197
LanguageEN
References cited40

Purpose The purpose of this study is to explore the roles that researchers and communicators adopt when they interact with each other in the context of science communication. By using role theory as a theoretical lens, the study focuses on how these roles are shaped in various situations based on researchers’ and communicators’ motivations and expectations of their own and each other’s roles in science communication. Design/methodology/approach This study employs a qualitative, interview-based research design. Fifteen interviews with researchers and communicators working at a small university in Sweden were conducted. The interviews were structured around four real life constructs (RLCs), which enabled participants to reflect on concrete science communication situations related to newsworthiness, message, prioritization and visibility, allowing their motivations and expectations to surface. Findings Researchers and communicators navigate multiple and overlapping roles shaped by context and interactions. The Gatekeeper and Supporter roles are related to communicators, while researchers adopt the Personal brand builder role. The roles of Networker, Partner, Coach and Co-opetitor are shared across both professional groups. The adoption of these seven roles illustrates role multiplicity and fluidity. Originality/value This study captures how two professional groups perceive their own and each other’s roles by using RLCs that depict specific science communication situations. Understanding the roles adopted by researchers and communicators while interacting with each other is valuable for universities addressing organizational challenges related to science communication and its impact

Conceptual framework · Organizational communication · Prioritization · Professional communication · Science communication · Supporter · Climate Change Communication and Perception · Interdisciplinary Research and Collaboration · International Science and Diplomacy

Tools

Open DOIOpen Access