Communication Theory Research Articles

Political Choices of Muhammadiyah Citizens as a Muslim Minority in the 2018 Bali Governor Election in Indonesia

Purpose: the primary aim of this study is to explore how the Muhammadiyah community in Bali, a minority Muslim group, engaged in the 2018 Bali gubernatorial election to assert and navigate their political identity. This research seeks to understand the impact of their political participation within the broader dynamics of identity politics in a predominantly non-Muslim setting. Theoretical Reference: the study is framed within theories of political identity and political communication, which provide insights into how identities are formed, communicated, and leveraged in political contexts. These theories help elucidate the complex interactions between minority groups and the political environment, particularly in areas where identity politics play a significant role. Method: A qualitative descriptive approach was employed to capture the political preferences and behaviors of Muhammadiyah members during the 2018 gubernatorial election. Data was gathered through interviews, focus groups, and analysis of campaign materials and public statements. This method enabled a detailed and nuanced understanding of the Muhammadiyah community's political engagement. Results and Conclusion: the findings indicate that Muhammadiyah members actively participated in the election, using it as a platform to advocate for their political and social interests. Their engagement was shaped by their minority status and the need to assert their identity in a socio-political landscape dominated by different religious and cultural norms. The election outcomes revealed both the challenges and opportunities faced by Muhammadiyah in navigating identity politics in Bali. Implications of Research: this study highlights the critical role of minority religious communities in shaping political landscapes, even in regions where they do not form the majority. Understanding these dynamics is essential for policymakers, political leaders, and civil society organizations that aim to foster inclusive political processes. It also underscores the importance of effective political communication strategies that cater to diverse communities. Originality/Value: this research contributes to the limited literature on the political behavior of Islamic organizations like Muhammadiyah in regional politics, particularly within non-Muslim majority regions. It offers a unique insight into how identity politics and minority status influence political engagement and communication, adding depth to the discussions on multiculturalism and political inclusion in Southeast Asia.

Beyond workplace‐related issues: How Global Unions use digital activism to engage in social agenda‐setting

AbstractDigital information and communications technologies like social media are critical for trade union renewal. Yet, although many unions now use social media, there remain ongoing debates as to what effective digital activism looks like. This question is even more pressing for the Global Unions, as international labour movement organizations without grassroots members. Drawing on social movement and networked communication theories, this article interrogates Global Unions’ social media practices through a mixed‐method analysis of 19,009 Facebook posts created between 2017 and 2022. Based on this analysis, we find that Global Unions that adopt crowd‐focused communication styles and post on broader social issues have more success in engaging with online crowds than those that emphasize workplace or organizational issues and adopt top‐down communication styles. At the same time, our findings challenge assumptions in the literature that crowd‐led, connective communication styles associated with engagement are necessarily the most effective in today's digital society.

A Grounded Theory of Interdisciplinary Communication and Collaboration in the Outpatient Setting of the Hospital for Patients with Multiple Long-Term Conditions.

Interdisciplinary communication and collaboration are crucial in the care of people with multiple long-term conditions (MLTCs) yet are often experienced as insufficient. Through the lens of complexity science, this study aims to explain how healthcare professionals (HCPs) adapt to emerging situations in the care of patients with MLTC by examining interdisciplinary communication and collaboration in the outpatient hospital setting. We used the constant comparative method to analyze transcribed data from seven focus groups with twenty-one HCPs to generate a constructivist grounded theory of 'interdisciplinary communication and collaboration in the outpatient setting of the hospital for patients with multiple long-term conditions'. Our theory elucidates the various pathways of communication and collaboration. Why, when, and how team members choose to collaborate influences if and to what degree tailored care is achieved. There is great variability and unpredictability to this process due to internalized rules, such as beliefs on the appropriateness to deviate from guidelines, and the presence of an interprofessional identity. We identified organizational structures that influence the dynamics of the care team such as the availability of time and financial compensation for collaboration. As we strive for tailored care for patients with MLTC, our theory provides promising avenues for future endeavors.

Acknowledging dementia as an actor in the relationship: A facilitating mechanism promoting dementia family caregiver resilience

Despite the incredible challenges of caring for a family member with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia, many dementia family caregivers exhibit resilience. Framed by the communication theory of resilience, this study examines how resilience processes unfold within dementia caregivers’ relationships with their family member, and dementia caregivers’ experiences of resilience. Analysis of 27 interviews with adult children and spousal caregivers revealed acknowledging dementia as an actor in the relationship as a central facilitating mechanism that enabled caregivers to enact other communicative resilience processes within their relationship. Resilience processes were enacted through shifting blame to dementia, accommodating dementia, and relying on memories. Caregivers experienced resilience through personal growth, enhanced relational closeness, and ambivalent resilience. We discuss implications for dementia caregiver resilience and forward facilitating mechanisms as an extension of communication resilience theorizing.

Influential and Worthy: A Video-centric Exploration of Travel Influencers’ Value Chain Logic

Influencer marketing has ushered in a new mode of electronic commerce, necessitating research to explore this emerging business logic. This study, grounded in communication and persuasion theory, develops a theoretical framework of travel influencers’ value chain logic. It elucidates how these influencers’ communication strategies drive their audience members’ online engagement and influencers’ business value on short video platforms. A multi-method design and video-centric approach revealed three dimensions of influencers’ communication strategies—physical attractiveness, content richness, and social activity—that significantly shaped audience members’ online engagement with the content. Such engagement in turn had a positive impact on influencers’ business value. These findings help to clarify value chain logic in influencer marketing and carry managerial implications for influencers and travel brands.

Persuasion in Social Speeches

The study of the political speeches has drawn the attention of scholars since its revelation up to the present day. Many scholars have attempted to study specific features of it. One of these features that has been at the core of interest is persuasion. This research was aimed to elaborate on the concept of persuasion in the political speeches and to find out the persuasive strategies used in the speeches of queen Rania (queen of the Hashemite kingdom of Jordan) The study has confined itself to three main objectives. These are discussing the concept of persuasion as manifested in the political speeches, Identifying the persuasive strategies used, and naming the most common and the least common ones. By using a model based on persuasive communication theory and other related concepts, researcher analyzed the data using quantitative-qualitative research method. The analysis started with a comprehensive reading of queen Rania speech and then identifying the tokens of persuasive strategies. The results were put in numerical form and discussed both quantitively and qualitatively. The study findings show that persuasion is one of the basic concepts in the political speeches due to the nature of this text which aimed at persuading people to follow the righteous course of action and belief. It is also found that all the persuasive strategies included in the model appeared in the text under study. Finally, the study revealed that metaphor is the most commonly used persuasive strategies while personification is the least.

Discursive and photographic representations of migrants in the media: the case of Ceuta and Melilla

ABSTRACT The Spanish autonomous cities of Ceuta and Melilla have long been sites of undocumented migration to Spain. Owing to both anti-immigration attitudes often perpetuated in political discourse and the challenges involved in blocking migration in cities that are geographically separated from Spain’s mainland, this migratory context has been heavily debated in Spain. However, it is critical to examine attitudes towards migrant populations of different legal statuses, and particularly essential to look at widely disseminated discourse such as mass media, which has the power to be impactful in shaping popular opinions. In this study, I analyse such discourse, and examine how migrants are represented in Spanish media. Using critical discourse analysis (Fairclough 2003) and media framing (Littlejohn, Foss, and Oetzel [2021]. “The Medium.” In Theories of Human Communication, 151–154. Waveland Press), this study looks at 100 online news articles published over a 10-year period (2013–2022). Findings indicate that news outlets use both text and photos to dehumanise and criminalise migrant populations.

The State of Crisis Communication in Contemporary Nonprofit Literature

ABSTRACT Emergency and disaster management and public relations literature both apply crisis communication strategies and theories, although the nonprofit sector is rarely examined. To deliver services effectively and disseminate critical information, nonprofit leaders must adapt to various contexts while also considering their reputation following crises. In addition to providing a theoretical framework for crisis communication in the nonprofit context, this study systematically examines recent literature on nonprofit crisis communication. The study reveals a set of crucial insights from nonprofit crisis communication literature, particularly surrounding four themes: 1) crisis sensemaking and crisis understanding; 2) nonprofit leadership and governance; 3) nonprofit structure; and 4) communication tools and networks. The findings open up a wide range of possibilities for further investigation into the dissemination of nonprofit crises, particularly empirical work utilizing longitudinal analysis. The findings provide applications for nonprofit leaders for becoming more aware of their crisis communication tactics.

Non-Verbal Communication Aspect in Paper Umbrella Craft as Intangible Cultural Heritage in Malang

Paper umbrellas are one of the crafts included in the intangible cultural heritage of Malang, East Java. Currently, it is known that there is only one group of craftsmen who still produce this paper umbrella craft. Although not many of them, this paper umbrella craft still exists among people who like traditional handicrafts. This is evident from how often paper umbrella crafts appear at craft exhibitions in cities in Indonesia. Consequently, there is a pressing need for in-depth research on paper umbrella craftsmanship in Malang City. A valuable avenue for exploration is the examination of non-verbal communication aspects inherent in paper umbrella craftsmanship. This study aimed to determine the non-verbal communication aspects contained in paper umbrella crafts. The research employs a descriptive qualitative approach, focusing on analyzing non-verbal communication aspects. Data was collected using unstructured interview methods, documentation, and field surveys. The collected data was reduced for analysis using nonverbal communication theory. The study findings are presented descriptively, detailing the observed non-verbal communication aspects. The findings reveal three distinct categories of non-verbal communication aspects in paper umbrella craftsmanship: fixed features, semi-fixed features, and non-fixed features. Fixed features include shapes depicted on the umbrella. Semi fixed feature is a choice of material used to make paper umbrellas, colors, and motifs. The materials used are bamboo and paper. The colors of the umbrellas are red and green. The motif drawn on the umbrella is a floral motif. Flowers are present because they are the favorite shapes of the craftsmen who make umbrellas. Non-fixed features encompass the entire process of crafting paper umbrellas, from material preparation to final finishing touches. Keywords: umbrella paper, craft, tangible cultural heritage

Iconic image clusters: Significance, structure, and analysis

This paper explores the phenomenon of iconic image clusters and presents a method for analyzing them. It specifically focuses on compiling individual images into extensive image clusters, such as weblogs, photo series, or image galleries. The analytical interest in this topic is based on the assumption that the compilation and presentation of images are independent means of expression and presentation in visual media. Iconic image clusters can emphasize thematic aspects, highlight contrasts, create styles, or provide visual evidence. In other words, iconic image clusters reflect several communicative possibilities that arise from the technical reproducibility of images. Iconic image clusters belong to the subclass of contemporary hypertext / hyperimage phenomena in media theory and are manifestations of the human ability to generate meaning through relations of similarity and difference in communication theory. This article addresses how iconic image clusters can be analyzed validly. It discusses the communicative structure and functioning of such clusters and proposes a procedure for their analysis. The proposed method is illustrated with examples, including a photographic weblog.

Measurement and evaluation methods in corporate communications through the prism of Lasswell’s model

PurposeThis study aims to conceptualize, rethink and systematize methods used for measurement and evaluation (M&E) corporate communication.Design/methodology/approachThe reflection is based on 462 key English-language books and papers devoted to M&E in the fields of corporate communication and public relations from the 1970th to 2023. Keywords in the titles and abstracts found the necessary materials. A critical analysis of the central concepts, models and methods described in the literature was conducted. As a result, a new model that unifies and structures the M&E toolkit is proposed for discussion.FindingsDespite the significant contribution to developing a wide range of M&E models, they are still not perfect and universal. In addition, this system of approaches is continuously self-evolving and changing under the influence of digital innovations, so it requires steady rethinking and updating. On the other hand, most previous studies focused on communication management processes, losing focus on communication aspects. This led to the need for an alternative view based on proven theories to fill this gap. The proposed model combines quantitative and qualitative M&E methods for the five main components of corporate communication (communicator, audience, content, channels and result), covering a wide range of tools, from statistical and sociological research to big data analysis and neuro research.Originality/valueThis work contributes to developing the M&E theory of corporate communication, systematizing existing methods and opening new research perspectives. From a practical point of view, companies can use the presented approach for a more accurate and objective internal evaluation of the main components of corporate communication.

Miniature Time: A Study on the Narrative and Communication Effects of Online Mini Dramas from the Perspective of Empathy

In the wave of digital media, art forms such as online short dramas have emerged, quickly gaining market demand and audience love. Based on the theory of empathetic communication, this paper conducts a qualitative and quantitative analysis of the content narrative, media strategies, audiovisual communication, and communication effects of four representative online mini dramas. It is found that online mini dramas have taken shape in forming deep emotional links with audiences, but there are still many problems. Finally, this paper proposes solutions from multiple aspects such as government departments, creative entities, audiovisual platforms, and industries, to provide useful references for developing online mini dramas to expand artistic boundaries and social influence in empathetic communication.

Образные единицы в коммуникативных практиках медиатизированного политического дискурса

The article is dedicated to the communicative features of mediatized political discourse, which remain insufficiently explored. Using the example of the use of figurative means of language in the genres of media-political communications, it is demonstrated that the mediatized form of communication possesses not only the basic functions of professional discourse but also additional functions: amplifying or softening content, saving linguistic means, emotional and attractive functions. Each of these functions plays a significant role in shaping audience perception and influencing public opinion on political issues. With the help of contextual and semantic analysis, as well as the corpus method, the following results were obtained: in the studied context, figurative units are important linguistic means used for the effective conveyance of specific political views and emotions. These units include figurative metaphors and comparisons, phraseology, proverb, precedent phenomena and colloquial expressions. The novelty of the research lies in the analysis of communicative features and functions of figurative units in various genres of mediatized political discourse: political talk shows, political interviews, and internet texts of politicians. The research results can be applied in the practice of media communication, communicative linguistics, and discourse theory.

A medical language for climate discourse

Innovative communication theories propose that we understand messages not by decoding their meaning but by inferring what speakers intend to express. However scientifically accurate the messages climate scientists have put forward, the appropriate inferences may not have been drawn by most of their audiences. One of the main reasons may be that scientific metaphors allow for multiple interpretations, yet, because of their expressive power, they impact discourses disproportionately. Climate communication took a path of euphemistic scientific expressions partially due to the noble scientific norms of self-restraint and modesty, but the hidden implications of climate jargon distort the way non-experts think about the heating climate. Consequently, the current climate jargon hinders informed decisions about Earth’s life support systems. Changing the softened expressions of climate language, from the cool of basic research to the heat and compassion of medical contexts, may allow for more productive public and political debates – which may lead to more powerful policy solutions. Speaking and thinking in medical terms could turn the perception of worst case scenarios from hypotheticals or doomism to life-saving interventions. We typically start reducing fever before it gets out of control, let alone crosses a threshold of potential death. Instead of putting on a positivist mascara, a calm and serious discussion of safety measures in medical terms, for example, talking about climatic tipping cascades as metastases, could foster a more honest evaluation of the required legal and regulatory steps to keep our home planet habitable.

Implementation of Omnichannel Improves Business Performance Based on Integrated Marketing Communication

This research will examine a company engaged in the food and beverage industry. This research aims to create a business design based on the Business Model Canvas (BMC) approach and SWOT (Strength, Weaknesses, Opportunity, Threat) analysis as an innovation to improve the company's business performance. The object of this research is PT Tongku Raja Nauli located in Padangsidimpuan city. This research was conducted in the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) industry engaged in food processing made from egg rolls. The data collection procedure in this research is to use a qualitative approach by obtaining through direct observation, company records, in-depth interviews, and documentation in the form of photos and videos. The results of the SWOT analysis on the nine elements of the Business Model Canvas (BMC) show that there are internal and external factors that are strengths and weaknesses for the company in carrying out its business model and also what are the opportunities and threats from external that affect the business processes of PT Tongku Raja Nauli. This research resulted in the Tongku Snack Innovation program, a program that optimizes the Company's marketing. This program is assisted by Integrated Marketing Communication theory with the concept of Omnichannel Marketing which is proven to help companies increase sales, competitiveness and business continuity.

Engaged interorganizational networks and resilience in the humanitarian sector

Abstract This study extends the communication theory of resilience (CTR) by examining social networks that facilitate resilience for refugee-oriented humanitarian organizations (ROHOs). This study draws on a network survey and interviews from ROHOs in the United States and South Korea during the height of coronavirus disease 2019. Results illuminate how refugees, generally seen as the subject of concern, become engaged in networks with organizations to facilitate organizational resilience. A close inspection of the nature of interorganizational relationships revealed that resilience was a function of ties that involved engaged communication and not simply transactional relationships. This article shows how organizational resilience is facilitated when the people are engaged as part of organizational networks: networks cutting across systems to organizations to the vulnerable constituents, themselves. The study advances prior research on organizational resilience by specifying what it means to leverage social networks for organizational stability, which has direct implications for the policy and organizational systems.

Addressing Barriers and Facilitators to African Americans’ and Hispanics’ Participation in Clinical and Genomic Research Through a Bioethical Sensitive Video

Research advances on effective methods to prevent, diagnose, and treat cancer continue to emerge through clinical and genomic research. Most clinical trial and genomic research participants identify as White which limits the generalizability of research findings to non-White populations. With the development and access to technology, digital delivery of salient and tailored health education may provide innovative pathways to increase representation of African Americans (AA) and Hispanics in research. This project focused on the creation of a bioethical sensitive education video aimed at increasing participation in clinical trials and genomic research by bringing together experts from the community, healthcare, biomedical research, and public health. The goal was to utilize existing educational resources to create a tailored message to address AA/Hispanics’ beliefs, values, and bioethical concerns related to participation in clinical and genomic research. Models of behavior change and communication theories were leveraged to frame key components of the message, which then informed the framework for the animated video. Development of the video consisted of six iterative phases: 1) writing sessions; 2) storyboarding; 3) animating; 4) screening/revisions; 5) acceptability testing; 6) finalization. The final animated video is approximately 5 min in length and covers several topics including the goal of clinical research, disparities in research participation, bioethical concerns, and genomic research regulations. Increasing AA and Hispanic participation in clinical and genomic research is imperative to achieving health equity. Tailored messages via short videos may assist in addressing the barriers and facilitators towards research participation and increase intentions to enroll in trials.

Public engagement with COVID-19 preprints: Bridging the gap between scientists and society

Abstract The surge in preprint server use, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, necessitates a reexamination of their significance in the realm of science communication. This study rigorously investigates discussions surrounding preprints, framing them within the contexts of systems theory and boundary objects in scholarly communication. An analysis of a curated selection of COVID-19-related preprints from bioRxiv and medRxiv was conducted, emphasizing those that transitioned to journal publications, alongside the associated commentary and Twitter activity. The data set was bifurcated into comments by biomedical experts versus those by nonexperts, encompassing both academic and general public perspectives. Findings revealed that while peers dominated nearly half the preprint discussions, their presence on Twitter was markedly diminished. Yet, intriguingly, the themes explored by these two groups diverged considerably. Preprints emerged as potent boundary objects, reinforcing, rather than obscuring, the delineation between scientific and nonscientific discourse. They serve as crucial conduits for knowledge dissemination and foster interdisciplinary engagements. Nonetheless, the interplay between scientists and the wider public remains nuanced, necessitating strategies to incorporate these diverse discussions into the peer review continuum without compromising academic integrity and to cultivate sustained engagement from both experts and the broader community.

Crisis risk communication and public behavior: Analysis of the COVID-19 pandemic in Pakistan

This study underpins the crisis risk communication (CRC) theory, investigating the integral role of social media in Pakistan towards COVID-19, its influence on cognitive priming processes, and behavior regulation. Empirical findings reveal predominantly positive public sentiment toward preventive behaviors, with mask-wearing and sanitizer use widely embraced. However, the inclination to avoid gatherings with risk groups is comparatively lower. This collective adherence to preventive measures suggests a shared effort to curb COVID-19, influenced by factors like the perceived helpfulness of social media. The populace exhibits a predominantly favorable attitude towards COVID-19 vaccination, signifying widespread acceptance of vaccines within the country. Additionally, the study assesses public satisfaction with the government’s pandemic management, revealing an overall positive sentiment. Nonetheless, concerns emerge regarding essential needs, including food, shelter, and treatment. Enhancing our insight, this study sheds light on the intricate interplay between CRC, social media, and public behavior amidst a health crisis. The insights gleaned from this study provide valuable guidance for policymakers and public health practitioners to refine future communication strategies and address societal concerns effectively during pandemics.

Kenyan Media Freedom Under Attack: Analysis of Media Work in Kenya Using Maatic Theory of Communication

Kenyan Media Freedom Under Attack: Analysis of Media Work in Kenya Using Maatic Theory of Communication