Communication Strategies Research Articles

Enhancing citizen science impact in environmental monitoring: Targeted engagement strategies with stakeholder groups

Understanding the motivations and benefits of citizen science (CS) participants is critical to the success of environmental science projects that rely on data collection from engaged citizens. Tailored communication with citizen scientists is essential, leading to the need to target specific societal groups for extensive and high-quality data sets. The purpose of the study was to apply marketing concepts such as stakeholder analysis, value proposition canvas (VPC), and key performance indicators (KPIs) to CS projects. The study examined the extent to which these strategies can be applied to CS projects and add value, resulting in improved recruitment and retention of participants, as well as improved project management. The dynamic landscape of CS projects requires adapted business-oriented approaches supporting ongoing participation with high motivation, acknowledging community needs, and recognizing institutional scientists, akin to targeting potential customers. The case study focuses on the CityCLIM initiative, an EU-funded project collecting urban climate data, especially air temperature, using mobile weather stations. The CityCLIM VPC, analyzing stakeholder groups, facilitated tailored communication strategies by analyzing stakeholder groups and highlighting the effectiveness of the CS cycling initiative within the “Stadtradeln” program. Impact KPIs served as a roadmap for strategic refinement, while data quality KPIs identified deficiencies, guiding adjustments to the campaign. Applied marketing tools improved project planning, engagement, and evaluation, demonstrating the potential of this concept. Adapting marketing tools to recruitment and communication strategies benefits CS projects by targeting specific groups. The holistic integration of stakeholder analysis, VPC, and KPIs streamlines project management and creates a framework for sustainable success. This adaptation forms a robust toolkit for CS project coordinators, contributing to effective communication, engagement, and impact assessment. Applying marketing tools significantly increases CS projects’ reach and impact, ensuring long-term success and meaningful scientific contributions.

The development of a roadmap for Health Technology Assessment implementation in Moldova

Abstract* Background Moldova strives for universal health coverage (UHC) and considers health technology assessment (HTA) an important policy instrument to inform the choice of services that should be covered to progressively realize UHC. It plays a key role in determining which technologies are coved, considering various dimensions often including cost-effectiveness, budget impact, and feasibility. This paper reports on work undertaken to develop a roadmap for HTA implementation, using evidence-informed deliberative processes (EDPs) as the guiding framework. Methods Between 2020 and 2022, we undertook several activities that informed the roadmap. We conducted a needs assessment and an assessment of European HTA best practices using a combination of desk research, interviews and surveys. We then conducted a document review of six selected HTA systems, complimented by expert interviews from three neighbouring countries. Results The roadmap provided a suggested HTA process, which included instructions on how to execute the different steps of the EDP framework to enhance the legitimacy of HTA-informed decision-making. The roadmap encompasses several aspects such as how to organize stakeholder involvement, how to identify and operationalize decision criteria, and how to make the decision process transparent. Guidance was given to the country on establishing a legal framework for HTA; a communication strategy; strengthening capacity and leveraging HTA expertise. The country was also given tailored advice on the positioning of the HTA-agency, first as an entity within the Ministry of Health or the National Agency of Public Health but with the long-term vision for it to be independent of any state institution. Conclusions Despite several challenges, including a partial disruption because of the Covid-19 pandemic, the development of the roadmap for HTA implementation was completed and agreed upon by the Ministry of Health in Moldova. This work has helped motivate and support the country in HTA institutionalization.

Teamwork in a Multicultural Context: The Driver of Creativity

This paper deeply explores the complex and dynamic relationship between team creativity and cultural factors and reveals how subtle cultural differences can play a dual role in shaping team creativity. Central to the study is an in-depth analysis of interactions between team members from different cultural backgrounds and how these interactions significantly influence the collective output of the team's creation. This detailed review of the extensive literature illustrates the important impact of team diversity, communication patterns, and leadership style on the profile shaping of team creativity. The center of the discussion is the dual nature of the organizational culture: it has both the potential to stimulate creativity within the team and the potential to inhibit it. Research shows that while cultural diversity brings unique perspectives and ideas that create mature environments for innovative thinking, it also presents significant challenges, including communication barriers and the generation of possible misunderstandings. Without skilled management, these problems can hamper the flow of ideas. Furthermore, this paper highlights the importance of fostering leadership styles and communication strategies for an open and supportive environment critical to thriving team creativity. In the text section, I integrate these findings into practical, actionable strategies that provide some feasible suggestions for organizations seeking to improve innovation. These strategies are deeply embedded in an understanding of cultural dynamics and aim to reform organizational practices to add some possibilities for us to achieve greater innovation and success in an increasingly diverse business world.

"They Ask Questions, But They Don't Want the Answers"-Perceptions of Clinical Communication Among Veterans Discontinuing Buprenorphine for the Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder.

Many patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) discontinue treatment prematurely, increasing their risk of opioid-related overdose and death. While patient-centered care is considered the gold standard in treating chronic illness, it may be practiced less frequently in the context of OUD care. Patient-provider communication can influence patients' care experiences, potentially having an impact on treatment retention and care decision-making. This study was conducted at the VA Portland Health Care System from March 2021 to April 2022. We conducted qualitive interviews with patients who had discontinued buprenorphine for the treatment of OUD within the past year. Coding and analysis were guided by inductive qualitative content analysis. Retrospective medical record review identified clinical and demographic characteristics of participants. Twenty patients completed an interview. Participant age ranged from 28 to 74 years (median 63 years). Ninety percent of participants were white and 90% male. Many participants expressed frustration and feelings of disempowerment in OUD care processes. Patients with a history of long-term prescribed opioid use frequently expressed stigmatizing views of OUD, and perceptions of disagreement with providers over diagnosis and care choices. Elderly patients and those with multiple comorbidities expressed confusion over significant aspects of their care, as well as difficulty navigating treatment logistics like appointment requirements and medication dose changes. Some patients reported later restarting buprenorphine in new settings, and described feeling respected and involved in care decisions as a facilitator for continuing treatment. Prioritizing patient-centered communication in OUD treatment could improve the patient experience and potentially support treatment retention. Subgroups of OUD patients, such as those with a history of long-term prescribed opioid use, elderly patients with multiple comorbidities, or those who express stigmatizing medication views, could particularly benefit from tailored communication strategies that address their individual concerns.

Family resilience and vulnerability of patients at diagnosis of lung cancer: A qualitative study.

To explore and analyse the adaptation process of patients and their families at the point of lung cancer diagnosis. Totally 23 operable lung cancer patients were included in this study. Colaizzi's method of phenomenology was employed for data analysis. This study found two different aspects of family adaptation at the diagnosis of lung cancer. For family resilience, three themes emerged: (1) Positive family belief systems (giving meaning to a cancer diagnosis and maintaining a positive/optimistic attitude), (2) Flexible family organizational patterns (maintaining the stability of family structure and function, adjusting the relationship between patients and family members and receiving external support and help) and (3) Good communication and problem-solving strategies (open communication on an equal basis, positive and open expression of emotions and collaborative problem-solving). For family vulnerability, three themes were as follows: (1) Negative family belief systems (negative attitudes and concealment and self-isolation due to stigma), (2) Rigid family organizational patterns (adaptation lost, conflicts between family support and patients' willingness and pressure upon social support) and (3) Unhealthy communication and problem-solving (poor communication, emotional asymmetry of family members and tendency to solve problems alone). The study highlights the existence of the family resilience and family vulnerability at the point of lung cancer diagnosis and provides patient's perspective for understanding family resilience in specific cultural contexts. The data were collected through face-to-face interviews. ChiCTR2300074801.

Social Media Use and Impact on Voters and Candidates in Kerala

This article presents a comprehensive survey of social media usage among Kerala voters across three parliamentary constituencies ( N = 1500). It explores the socio-economic factors influencing both online and offline political engagement and sheds light on how social media empowers younger voters by reducing their reliance on traditional influencers. Kerala’s social media trends align with those of developed nations like the USA, in contrast to broader Indian digital and gender divide indicators. The study also delves into the social media strategies of 280 successful candidates in the April 2019 Kerala Legislative Assembly elections, identifying the key factors influencing their electoral success. Notably, Facebook engagement metrics, such as shares and followers, emerge as more significant predictors of candidate winnability than Twitter metrics. The research highlights the profound impact of social media on political communication, perception, youth participation and candidate strategies, ultimately shaping electoral outcomes in Kerala. This study addresses a critical research gap regarding social media use among Kerala voters and the reciprocal strategies adopted by candidates, including the predictive impact on candidates’ performance.

What determines local attitudes towards Jordan’s renewable energy transition? Evidence from household surveys

ABSTRACT The potential for renewable energy to encourage sustainable development raises high hopes for the future among countries in the Global South. However, there has been less research on how energy transitions are perceived outside of the Global North and democratic contexts. This paper explores attitudes towards the energy transition in Jordan, where expert interviews reveal that a strong renewable energy industry has emerged from top-down government efforts to reduce energy dependency and costs. We perform an in-person household survey with 320 respondents in areas with different transition risks and benefits, and then test a series of hypotheses using regression analysis. In the four communities surveyed, income stress and climate concern influence attitudes, as well as perceptions of community benefits. National-level concerns also matter, including energy dependency and energy costs for all Jordanians. Our results highlight the importance of context: findings from the North are not universal and understanding transitions in the Global South requires studying them in their own right. Policy insights Jordanian policymakers should reverse their policy of blocking renewables to avoid public backlash. Jordanian policymakers and funders should promote projects in communities with high economic dependence on the fossil fuel industry to ensure local support in areas facing transition risks. Policymakers should highlight collective, not just individual benefits of transitions, as perceptions of community and country benefits increase support. Policymakers in highly energy-dependent countries like Jordan should frame renewables as an answer to local and national challenges such as high energy prices. Actors wishing to promote clean energy support in different contexts should investigate local dynamics to build communication strategies that frame transitions appropriately.

Features of training and competitive activity in eSports

In modern eSports, team dynamics and communication are recognized as vital elements for optimizing player performance, underscoring the importance of cohesive teamwork and effective communication strategies. Additionally, the debate surrounding the classification of eSports as a sport is characterized by divergent perspectives: while some contend that its exclusion is warranted due to perceived minimal physical exertion, others assert that eSports necessitates a blend of skills and psychological training akin to those seen in traditional sports, challenging the notion of physicality as the sole criterion for defining a sport. The article comprehensively explores various facets of eSports and its delineation as a sporting activity, shedding light on nuanced understandings of "competitive experience" within the eSports community. Moreover, it introduces a nuanced definition of eSports players as active participants in organized tournaments who engage in systematic practice and training regimens to prepare for competitive events. Notably, the article underscores the critical role of training activities in eSports, encompassing the cultivation of strategies, tactics, reactions, and game analysis, alongside the significance of fostering effective teamwork dynamics. Furthermore, it highlights the distinctive features inherent in both the training and competitive spheres of eSports, stemming from its unique demands and intricacies. Ultimately, the study's findings contribute to the refinement and standardization of terminology within the eSports domain, facilitating a clearer understanding and classification of this evolving sport within the broader athletic landscape. The features of training and competitive activity in eSports are established and the differences in training and competitive activity in eSports are identified.

An Exploration of China's Image Perception, Influencing Factors and Communication Strategies from a Latin American Perspective -An Empirical Study Based on the 2001-2023 Latin American Barometer -An Empirical Study Based on the 2001-2023 Latin American Barometer

An Exploration of China's Image Perception, Influencing Factors and Communication Strategies from a Latin American Perspective -An Empirical Study Based on the 2001-2023 Latin American Barometer -An Empirical Study Based on the 2001-2023 Latin American Barometer

A Scoping Review of Existing Policy Instruments to Tackle Overweight and Obesity in India: Recommendations for a Social and Behaviour Change Communication Strategy

Background The Indian government is committed to address various manifestations of malnutrition, including overweight and obesity, inorder to improve individual health and well-being. The scoping review aims to map existing national policy instruments (programmes, schemes, regulations and guidelines) addressing overweight and obesity in India and analysing them for Social and Behaviour Change Communication (SBCC) strategies. Methods Systematic identification and selection of policy instruments using ‘Arksey and O’Malley’ framework was conducted from central government ministry websites, between March and June 2023. These instruments focused on nutrition and/or physical activity, targeting specific demographic groups like pregnant women, lactating mothers, children (0-5 years and 5-9 years), or adolescents (10-19 years); excluding those focusing on specific diseases like micronutrient deficiencies, wasting, and stunting. Based on search strategy six policy instruments were included and analysed for SBCC strategies. Results While many policy instruments incorporated SBCC plans; the ‘National Programme for Prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD)’ stands out as a significant policy initiative specifically targeting the prevention of overweight and obesity within the broader context of Non-Communicable Diseases. It adopts a comprehensive approach addressing key drivers contributing to overweight/obesity across multiple levels of behavioural influence i.e., individual, interpersonal, community and organisation for health promotion. However, there’s need to strengthen SBCC strategies related to prevention and management of obesity, especially screening and counselling, to cover all age groups with a particular focus on adolescents and youth. SBCC strategies can also be incorporated into India’s Integrated Nutrition Support Programme (POSHAN 2.0) and/or Reproductive, Maternal, New-born, Child, Adolescent Health and Nutrition (RMNCAH+N) under the National Health Mission. Conclusion This paper underscores the necessity for comprehensive strategies to address multifaceted origin of overweight and obesity. The NP-NCD stands out as a noteworthy initiative, and there is considerable potential for other programmes to emulate it SBCC strategies to bolster their overall effectiveness. Note : *Policy instrument’s throughout the paper has been used to cover programmes, schemes, regulations and guidelines.

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.

XplAInable: Explainable AI Smoke Detection at the Edge

Wild and forest fires pose a threat to forests and thereby, in extension, to wild life and humanity. Recent history shows an increase in devastating damages caused by fires. Traditional fire detection systems, such as video surveillance, fail in the early stages of a rural forest fire. Such systems would see the fire only when the damage is immense. Novel low-power smoke detection units based on gas sensors can detect smoke fumes in the early development stages of fires. The required proximity is only achieved using a distributed network of sensors interconnected via 5G. In the context of battery-powered sensor nodes, energy efficiency becomes a key metric. Using AI classification combined with XAI enables improved confidence regarding measurements. In this work, we present both a low-power gas sensor for smoke detection and a system elaboration regarding energy-efficient communication schemes and XAI-based evaluation. We show that leveraging edge processing in a smart way combined with buffered data samples in a 5G communication network yields optimal energy efficiency and rating results.

Examining Varying Effects of Companies’ Strategic CSR Communication on Employees’ CSR Participation

ABSTRACT This study examines the effects of strategic CSR communication on employees’ CSR participation. Drawing on the sensemaking and sensegiving theoretical frameworks, alongside informative, dialogic, and meaning-making strategies in CSR communication. A survey (N = 406) revealed that all three strategies were positively associated with employees’ CSR participation. Further SEM analysis with CSR awareness as a moderator showed that higher awareness of CSR strengthens the impact of informative communication, while lower awareness enhances the impact of meaning-making CSR communication. Dialogic CSR communication’s effect on employees’ CSR participation was not significantly influenced by varying CSR awareness. Theoretically, this study advances the internal CSR communication literature by contrasting different organizational CSR communication strategies. It also suggests that organizations should incorporate diverse CSR communication strategies in organizational training to enhance employees’ involvement in CSR activities.

Burning forests: the wood pellet industry’s framing of sustainability and its shadow places

Woody biomass energy has exponentially grown in the last decade as a renewable energy alternative to fossil fuels. The growing trend of burning trees amid global climate crisis suggests that the wood pellet industry has been grossly successful in positioning itself as a sustainability leader. What communicative frames and strategies has the industry harnessed to communicate sustainability? What do the frames and strategies leave out? To explore those questions, this paper examines the woody biomass industry’s construction of sustainability by focusing on the case of the world’s largest wood pellet company, Enviva. Following ecolinguistics and framing theory, the first part of the paper examines the company’s website and social media presence to unpack the frames that Enviva engages to communicate its sustainability. Then, the paper turns to the spheres of life that the company omits from its framing but are crucial to the conceptualization of sustainability from an ecojustice perspective. The paper concludes with a call for ecojustice as the framework for evaluating sustainability of life on land.

One Day When We Were Young: Nostalgia Brings Climate Change Temporally Closer

ABSTRACT The perceived temporal distance of climate change impacts has been considered a long-standing barrier to climate engagement. Because nostalgia has distinct cognitive properties related to temporal thinking, three experimental studies are conducted to investigate nostalgia's potential for shortening temporal distance. Study 1 shows that nostalgia increases climate engagement by reducing temporal distance. Study 2 further identifies vivid imagery as a mechanism for the nostalgia effects across US and Chinese samples. Study 3 shows that nostalgic public service announcements increase climate engagement more than non-nostalgic ones. This study provides strong evidence that evoking nostalgia can be a useful climate change communication strategy.

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.

Lighthouse in the Mist

Previous research has explored the interactions between public leaders and citizens through social media channels. However, there is a gap in our understanding regarding the communication of limited information to the public during times of crisis. This study focuses on the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic as a crisis scenario and investigates how state governors utilized Twitter to communicate with the public, as well as the subsequent impact on citizens' responses. Employing computational social science techniques, this research analyzes a dataset comprising 47,831 tweets posted by U.S. state governors during the first six months of the COVID-19 pandemic, spanning from March to August 2020. The results affirm the crucial role of social media in crisis communication and offer insights into effective social media strategies for public communication.

Secure RIS Deployment Strategies for Wireless-Powered Multi-UAV Communication

Secure RIS Deployment Strategies for Wireless-Powered Multi-UAV Communication

Exploring the Dynamics of Miscommunication between Arabic and English in Economic Discourse

The main goal of this study is to gain a comprehensive understanding of the complex and diverse dynamics of miscommunication that occur during economic discussions between Arabic and English languages. By exploring this topic, the study aims to shed light on important questions about the origins of these misunderstandings and their effects on economic interactions. To achieve this objective, the research will draw upon valuable insights from previous agreements, intercultural bargaining, and global economic relations. It is crucial to emphasize that economic misunderstandings in conversations arise from various factors, including differences in language structure, disparities in cultural backgrounds, and varying contexts. These elements contribute to the confusion surrounding economic terminology, such as sentence structure, vocabulary and meaning difficulties, and contrasting communication styles. The research also examines the influence of cultural nuances and investigates how past events, cultural practices, and societal legacies shape the understanding of economic terms. The importance of effective communication in promoting trust and facilitating successful economic collaboration cannot be overstated. It goes beyond the economic implications of unfavorable trade terms and strained international relations. This research delves into the challenges faced by interpreters and negotiators, highlighting how technology can either alleviate or exacerbate the issue of miscommunication. Ultimately, it serves as a reminder that managers' misunderstandings play a pivotal role in economic dialogues. In today's interconnected global economy, clear and precise communication is essential for productive negotiations and the maintenance of long-lasting international business relationships. To address this, we propose proactive measures such as supporting training programs, leveraging technology wisely, and demonstrating a strong commitment to intercultural communication. The study underscores the significance of adopting effective communication strategies to navigate complex economic conversations and uphold harmonious global economic relationships in an ever-changing world.

Linguistic Strategy in Online Digital Communication: A Pragmatic Study

This study pragmatically examines the linguistic strategies used in online digital communication. It is crucial to comprehend how humans create meaning, navigate goals, and communicate social behaviour in digital time due to the rapid expansion of online platforms and interactions. The study aims to highlight the significant role of linguistic strategies in online digital communication, and identify the different strategies in online communication with different intended meanings, and analyze the selected online digital communication according to the pragmatic theory. This study uses the theoretical framework of pragmatics to explore the pragmatic characteristics, purposes, and consequences of language tactics in online digital communication. The study utilizes a qualitative theoretical framework by collecting accurate data from real online platforms and channels and using pragmatic analysis tools to transcribe the data. The study explores how meaning is constructed and negotiated, focusing on the pragmatic elements of linguistic tactics such as implicature and politeness by adopting the practical theories of Searle's (1979) Speech Act Theory and Gricean's Theory of Implicature and Cooperative Principle (1975). As a result, the study finds that language techniques differ across various digital communication platforms and emphasizes context's influence on online conversation. The results enhance our comprehension of how people develop linguistic techniques in online digital communication and have consequences for successful communication, social engagement, and digital literacy in modern digital settings.