Leadership Studies Commons^™

Gatekeeping Social Media In Today's Newsrooms, Matthew A. Clark

Communication & Leadership Dissertations and Theses

Social media has changed the face and function of today’s traditional newsrooms. But, more than that, social media has changed how editors and reporters report the news and, perhaps more importantly, control the flow of information via social media channels. Because social media has sped up the news gathering process, the way news and information in controlled from newsrooms to the general public and vice versa has changed. This study examined seven news professionals ranging in title and duty and asked how big of a part social media played in their day-to-day professional lives and how their respective news outlets …

Veterans And Reintegration Issues Looking Specifically At Society, Employment, Schooling, Ptsd And Veterans’ Organizations, Kerri Zelenak

Communication & Leadership Dissertations and Theses

If the veteran is lucky enough to ask for help, or help somehow finds them, then transitioning back into civilian life can be much smoother and tolerable; however, if a veteran is not so lucky, transitioning back into civilian life can be rough, confl1sing, and isolating. Trust issues between the veteran and the civilian is low making it hard for a veteran to seek the help they need in order to exist in civilian life. While serving every soldier is taken care of-everything they need is provided. Once entering civilian life, the soldier is left to fend for himself or …

Ethical Considerations For Digital Manipulation Of Sports Photography, Jeffrey A. Garrison

Communication & Leadership Dissertations and Theses

The idea that photos can be manipulated has been around nearly as long as the art itself. In the days of the darkroom photos were burned, dodged, cropped and even spliced together to create a desired image. Today photos are taken digitally and easily manipulated through the use of computer software programs like Adobe Photoshop. This ease of manipulation brings ethical considerations into question more than ever as photographers and photo editors can now manipulated an image in ways that not only change the message of the photo, but can also alter the reality the photo once represented at the …

Internet Slang And High School Students: A Teacher’S Perspective, Thomas W. Fish

Communication & Leadership Dissertations and Theses

This study analyzed the perceptions of secondary education teachers on the use of Internet Slang by their high school students. The researcher analyzed educators’ perceptions in order to answer what teachers’ thoughts were on the use of Internet Slang being introduced into secondary education academic assignments. Additionally, were there negative or positive effects from the use of Internet Slang via texting, social media, and messaging on the writing skills of students? A literature review and a qualitative applied research approach with the use of document analysis via an open-ended survey were the methods for this study. This assisted the researcher …

Relationship Management On Facebook: Male College Students, Kathleen M. Aikin

Communication & Leadership Dissertations and Theses

Facebook as a social media technology is prominent in a variety of scenarios, including interpersonal relationship management. There have been numerous studies on how social dynamics are informed by social media, especially in regards to young adults. Within this group, female social dynamics have garnered much attention; however, there is a dearth of research, which explicitly examines how males utilize the technology. Thus, this study collected data via an online survey of college students that examined various aspects of online interpersonal relationship dynamics. The theoretical framework of this study was based on Petronio’s (1991) communication privacy management theory, Baxter and …

The Use Of Social Media By Student Activists In Immigration Reform, Adrian Reyes

Communication & Leadership Dissertations and Theses

This thesis examined the use of social media by student activists wanting to enact change in our society and specifically around the topic of immigration reform. Coordinated Management of Meaning Theory (CMM) was utilized to interpret the results of online interactions with those that are considered activists in the immigration reform movement. Research has shown that collectively we create our reality based on events and objects of our social world (Pearce & Cronen, 2006). Further, we also can see that humans create reality through interaction (Allen, 2005). The research conducted consisted of seven one-on-one interviews with current under-grad and graduate …

Promoting Transformation In Listeners Through The Utilization Of Strategic Public Speaking, Shawn Vanover

Communication & Leadership Dissertations and Theses

This thesis identifies how transformational speakers, through the art of public speaking, are able to communicate in a way that enables transformation within the listener. Public speaking is essential for influencing an audience; therefore it is imperative to explore and identify the most effective communication strategies and techniques for delivering transformational speeches to empower and deeply impact listeners. The thesis analyzes Steve Jobs’s 2005 Stanford Commencement speech to understand how transformational leaders deliver transformational speeches to a given audience, and to further study how speakers utilize the social penetration theory to build a connection with the audience to create a …

The Silent Dimension Of A Healthcare Narrative: How Patients Perceive Practitioners’ Nonverbal Cues, Sarah Steele

Communication & Leadership Dissertations and Theses

This study examines patient perceptions of medical practitioners’ nonverbal behavior. The philosophical framework is based on Buber’s (1923/1958) work on “dialogic ethics,” and grounded in Giles’ (1987) communication accommodation theory. Both quantitative and qualitative data were gathered by means of survey research, and examined through correlational and content analysis. Results show a significant positive correlation between patient perceptions of practitioner nonverbal immediacy and subsequent satisfaction. Analysis of survey comments revealed listening as the nonverbal behavior most valued and noted by patients. These findings serve to inform medical professionals on how to maximize patient satisfaction and care through effective use of …

How Do Leaders Lead? Through Social Influence, Donelson R. Forsyth

Jepson School of Leadership Studies articles, book chapters and other publications

This chapter considers leadership to be a social influence process that derives from multifarious sources, manifests itself in a variety of forms, and generates outcomes both extraordinary and commonplace. However, it cuts through some of influence’s complexities by distinguishing between two oft-contrasted forms of influence: the direct and the indirect (Falbo, 1977; Kipnis, 1984). Military leaders, as legitimate authorities in the services, can and do issue orders to subordinates who are duty-bound to follow those orders. Politicians speak directly to their constituents, explaining their policies and asking for support. Team leaders identify the subtasks that must be completed by the …

A Mixed Methods Study: Dimensions Of Cross-Cultural Professional Success: Experiences Of Western Women Living And Working In Eastern Cultures, Tami J. France

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

In this world of global interconnectedness women continue to develop cross-cultural careers and their experiences impact and influence global scholarship and practice. Through this study, the relationships, resources, and characteristics that support female expatriate success were explored, with additional focus on the role of mentor and coach relationships. The mixed-methods study was conducted using a sequential approach to research that began with one-on-one semi structured interviews with ten professional women from the United States and Canada working or formerly working in China and Hong Kong. A survey was designed based on the interview findings. Professional women from western countries working …

Gender Matters: A Critical Discourse Analysis Of Media Coverage And Images Of Female Politicians, Katherine Virginia Ross

Communication & Leadership Dissertations and Theses

The representation of women in media, specifically the way in which political women are represented in news coverage, can have a significant impact on how consumers view political women. This study analyzed the online newspaper articles and images of two women who are active in politics, Sarah Palin and Hillary Clinton. While there are many women in the political arena, these two are perhaps the most well-known. This study is grounded in the theory of framing, and also applies Tuchman’s (1978) theory of symbolic annihilation. This study used coding, image analysis, and critical discourse analysis to attempt to uncover gendered …

Cultural Concept: Is Silence Golden?, Jessica Mico-Wentworth

Communication & Leadership Dissertations and Theses

This research examined how some of the graduate students and instructors from a small western university interpreted the meaning of online silence and how this concept affected their overall online academic experience. This thesis used an organizational ethnographic study in which the graduate students and instructors formed subcultures in the overall online graduate program. The Cultural Approach to Organizations was used as the theoretical basis to discover the meanings attributed to this topic from the perspective of the members of this community. Previous research of this topic primarily focused on comparing online educational classes to face-to-face classrooms. These perspectives focused …

School Choice As Means Of Social Change, Derryce Howzell

Communication & Leadership Dissertations and Theses

Parents and politicians have debated the topic of school choice for more than 20 years. The argument has changed slightly while also allowing more options to families. Rather than require students to be subject to de facto segregation, school choice offers the opportunity for students to interact with a more diverse population of students. As students interact with other students of diverse background they develop a better understanding of the world. Research suggests these students are also more likely to attend higher education and ultimately upgrade their socio-economic class. These interactions coupled with access to greater resources allow minority students …

Effective And Ethical Sales Communication For Pharmaceutical Representatives, John Paul Recinto

Communication & Leadership Dissertations and Theses

There are so many different communication styles utilized by pharmaceutical sales representatives. This thesis handles the quandary of whether those communication styles are not only effective among the interactions with medical providers, but whether those effective means of communicating are embedded with ethical communication as well. The theory of symbolic interactionism and the philosophical basis of persuasive speech expound on the methodology pharmaceutical sales representatives implement with the people he or she encounters. Medical providers also need to perceive that their encounters with pharmaceutical sales representatives are congruently effective and ethical interactions, which is revealed by qualitative research methods in …

Exploring The Efficacy Of Speech-Act Theory In Biblical Literature, Emory David Dively

Communication & Leadership Dissertations and Theses

No abstract provided.

Celebrities In Popular Culture: How Their Use Of Social Media Contributes To Their Success, Caleb Lamont

Communication & Leadership Dissertations and Theses

It is amazing to see the potential impacts social media can have on an individual. If used effectively, social media can transform the way ordinary people live into instant celebrity status. If individuals with talent are not media literate and do not have the knowledge to use the Internet and use social media platforms to showcase their abilities for the world to see, their talent could be going to waste. Social media allows media literate individuals to connect with the world and satisfy any needs or desires that they may have.

Understanding Bystander Behavior In Cyberbullying Encounters: An Application Of Bystander Apathy Theory, Jodie M. Bowers

Communication & Leadership Dissertations and Theses

Cyberbullying consequences are increasingly turning tragic with the victims committing suicide. Cyberbullying is carried out through computer mediated communication and due to public nature of social media platforms, it is natural to believe any number of individuals are witnessing any and all acts of communication. This becomes especially problematic during cyberbullying encounters because the victim is vulnerable to hurtful communication from anyone who views the attack. The victim is also subject to humiliation because of sharing capabilities that computer mediated communication provides. However, it has been proven that bullies will typically back down in face-to-face situations if a witness intervenes, …

Increasing Women's Body Satisfaction Through Dialogue, Suzanne Michelle Burdick

Communication & Leadership Dissertations and Theses

This qualitative study investigated how and to what extent dialogue can serve to increase women’s sense of satisfaction with their bodies. It is based on Martin Buber’s philosophy of “being” versus “seeming” in dialogue. Its theoretical basis consists of Cognitive Dissonance Theory, Coordinated Management of Meaning Theory, and Dialogism. For the research, two sessions of the Body Project’s Body Acceptance Class, a small-group discussion-based eating disorder prevention program, were facilitated. Participants were surveyed before and after to assess their levels of body satisfaction. Participant observations and intensive interviews were conducted to explore if, how, and to what extent participation in …

Ua3/9/7 Fall 2014 End Of Semester Message, Wku President's Office - Ransdell

WKU Administration Documents

Email from WKU president Gary Ransdell to faculty & staff.

Cross Cultural Analysis For Training And Facilitating Latin-American Audiences, Jose P. Alcazar

Creativity and Change Leadership Graduate Student Master's Projects

The purpose of this project is to help Creative Problem Solving (CPS) trainers and facilitators to improve the efficacy when working with Hispanic groups and individuals, either in a personal or in organizational environments. This project will guide the facilitators to use a more appropriate tools that will allow the resource group to feel more comfortable during the idea generation, creating an environment more according to the believes and behavioral habits; and the client to feel more confident to converge and make decisions accordingly to the initial goals. When training people in CPS, the project will align the methodology and …

Facilitating Holistic Spiritual Formation At The Northside Church Of Christ In Laredo, Texas, Kirk R. Cowell

Doctor of Ministry Theses and Dissertations

This thesis describes a project to facilitate holistic spiritual formation at the Northside Church of Christ in Laredo, Texas. A program consisting of seven weekly sessions of intergenerational religious experiences was enacted at the church in hopes of catalyzing growth in the cognitive, relational, affective, and behavioral domains. These sessions were constructed on a foundation consisting of the experiences of the non-class Churches of Christ—a group of congregations that has historically rejected the Bible class model—and informed by the intergenerational formation literature. Evaluation of this project showed relational and affective growth greater than what the congregation had experienced with the …

Ua77/1 Wku Spirit, Wku Alumni Relations

WKU Administration Documents

WKU's alumni magazine. Contents:

• Ransdell, Gary. President’s Letter
• Homecoming on the Hill
• 42 WKU Students Earn National Scholarships
• WKU Student Wins Heart’s 2014 National Photojournalism Title – Jabin Botsford
• WKU Elizabethtown/Fort Knox Selects Regional Chancellor – Evelyn Ellis
• Lynette Breedlove Named Director of Gatton Academy of Mathematics & Science at WKU
• Jace Lux Named WKU’s Director of Recruitment & Admissions
• $249,978 National Science Foundation Grant Aids Chemistry Research at WKU, South Korea
• WKU Researcher Shines in Science Idol Competition at Symposium – Jill Maples
• Gatton Academy of Mathematics & Science Named Top High School in the US
• Gatton Academy Students …

Ua12/2/1 College Heights Herald, Vol. 90, No. 4, Wku Student Affairs

WKU Administration Documents

WKU campus newspaper reporting campus, athletic and Bowling Green, Kentucky news.

• Pettway, Shantel. Step Up: National Pan-Hellenic Conference Greeks Participate in Annual Yard Show – Fraternities and Sororities
• Allen, Whitney. WKU Works to Improve LGBT-Friendly Reputation – Gays, Lesbians
• Voorhees, Jessica. Cultural Enhancement Series Enters 18^th Year
• Harney, LaShana. Student Government Association Holds First Meeting of the Semester in New Space – Downing University Center
• Pettway, Shantel. WKU Police Department Rules Aim to Keep WKU Safe
• Parker, Jacob. Find Positivity in the Little Things
• Is Your Hall Worth It? – Housing & Residence Life
• Holloway, Kae. Fast Fashion Stores …

Ua3/9/7 Craig Administrative Center, Wku President's Office - Ransdell

WKU Administration Documents

Email from WKU president Gary Ransdell to faculty & staff regarding the Craig Alumni House.

Ua3/9/7 2014 Fall Semester - Opening Week, Wku President's Office - Ransdell

WKU Administration Documents

Email from WKU president Gary Ransdell to faculty & staff.

Spite As Pedagogy: Finding The Optimal Relationship Between This, That, And The Other, Laine Colley

Communication & Leadership Dissertations and Theses

This thesis is a qualitative, meta-analysis and philosophic study of spite. It attempts to answer the question: Does mirth require stigma, i.e., Can bootstrap heroism exist in an inclusive society? It is built upon the philosophical foundations of Aristotle, Sartre, Buber, and Friere and the communication theory of social identity. One thing can be said for certain: abuse creates a callous over undesirable behavior, and those in power decide where the masses get hit. Therefore, the poor and marginalized exist as exemplars and threats to the upwardly mobile, who live to endear themselves and better their position in proximity to …

Ua3/9/7 Title Ix Compliance, Wku President's Office - Ransdell

WKU Administration Documents

Email from WKU president Gary Ransdell to faculty & staff regarding Title IX.

Communication And Nondrits: Implementing Asynchronous Web 2.0 Strategies To Built Community And Successful Development Practices, Laura Lynn Hutchinson

Communication & Leadership Dissertations and Theses

Due to web-based technologies and social media, the nonDrit industry is currently experiencing a change in the way fundraising is accomplished, business is developed, and information is communicated to the public. Some organizations have embraced these changes, while others are hesitating to move in a new direction. While the organizations changing with the industry are making major strides in their business success, those who are not redeveloping are missing out on an opportunity to increase their volunteer base, organization awareness, and financial support. In order to help nonDrit organizations understand the benefits of the evolving technologies, a static, poorly designed …

6 Myths About The Future Of Small Towns, Heartland Center For Leadership Development

Heartland Center for Leadership Development Materials

Covered myths about the future of small towns.

Featured:

Nenzel, Nebraska • Located in the Sandhills • Population 13 (2014) • Competed for a grant to build a new community center and heritage museum • Public buildings are supposed to last 50 years

Wray, Colorado • Located on Highway 34 across the Nebraska border • Once a major thoroughfare but today only local traffic • New hospital, modern K 12 school, raised money for a recreation center • Won a National Civic League All America City Award, the first rural community to be honored

Meeting Constituent Needs Through E-Governance, Morgan Drdak

Communication & Leadership Dissertations and Theses

Government agencies are adopting e-governance projects at an incredible pace to increase transparency, constituent participation, and collaboration. Although these projects have the potential to improve the relationships between constituents and their governments, there are major barriers to the successful implementation and management of such initiatives, including limited resources, the inherently inflexible nature of bureaucracy, and the involvement of politicians and public managers with minimal understanding of e-governance. To assist government agencies in overcoming these barriers, a project management model and set of best practices have been developed by applying the uses and gratifications communication theory to a synthesis of available …