Leadership Studies Commons^™

African Americans' Perceived Social Identities Through Media Projection, Adenike Orekoya

Communication & Leadership Dissertations and Theses

African Americans are commonly defined by artificial characteristics which portray them in restrictive roles. This is a result of media’s influence and the way its messages shape society. As a result, African Americans’ self-identity is shaped by the negative images they see and hear in their environment. Based on the application of Feminist Standpoint Theory in concurrence with Semiotic Theory, this study examines the consequences and effect of bias media messages. Furthermore, it investigates these consequences on African Americans' individual and collective identity due to media depictions. This thesis investigates how public opinion affects African Americans’ perception of themselves. The …

Ua77/1 Wku Spirit, Wku Alumni Relations

WKU Administration Documents

WKU's alumni magazine. Contents:

• Ransdell, Gary. President’s Letter
• Downing University Center
• All 4 WKU Nominees Recognized by Goldwater Scholarship Program
• Michael McClellan Named Diplomat-in-Residence at WKU
• WKU Meteorology Major Awarded Internship with NASA Program – Victoria Hampton
• WKU Youth in Government Chapter Honored at National Assembly
• WKU Ties for 2^nd in Overall Hearst Competition
• WKU Earns Tree Campus USA Recognition for 4^th Straight Year
• WKU Forensics Team Sweeps Major Championships
• 2013 Talisman Wins Gold Crown
• Record 6 WKU Students Awarded Critical Language Scholarships
• Gift Supports Nursing & Honors Life of Bowling Green Nurse – Helen Turner
• Farhad Ashrafzadeh …

The Collapse Of Sensemaking At The Pennsylvania State University, Travis Schott

Communication & Leadership Dissertations and Theses

The Pennsylvania State University (PSU) has generated billions of dollars from collegiate licensing of products and corporate sponsorship due largely to the success of their football program. Therefore, significant economic consequences exist if the PSU brand sustains damage to its image and reputation. This thesis examines events and communication among key actors at PSU who had knowledge of allegations, or who were directly involved with the investigation of Jerry Sandusky, the former PSU football defensive coordinator, for improper sexual contact with minors dating back as far as 1998. Two reports published following independent investigations of this incident provide detailed accounts …

Alec 845 - Research In Leadership Education: A Peer Review Of Teaching Benchmark Portfolio, Karen J. Cannon

Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communication: Faculty Publications

This is a benchmark portfolio of the graduate research course offered in the ALEC department, ALEC 845 – Research in Leadership Education. Students in any department or graduate program are welcome in the course but it primarily serves students in ALEC who are pursuing either a master’s in leadership education or a doctoral degree in human sciences with a specialization in leadership studies. The course itself is intended to provide an introduction to social science research methods and help students understand and begin to practice ethical social sciences research that contributes to the body of scholarly knowledge in their disciplines. …

Ua3/9/7 Information Technology, Wku President's Office - Ransdell

WKU Administration Documents

Email from WKU president Gary Ransdell to faculty & staff regarding Information Technology.

Ua3/9/7 Commencement & 2013-14 Academic Year Wrap-Up, Wku President's Office - Ransdell

WKU Administration Documents

Email from WKU president Gary Ransdell to faculty & staff.

Improv To Improve Interprofessional Communication, Team Building, Patient Safety, And Patient Satisfaction, Candace A. Campbell

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Projects

The purpose of this process improvement project was to implement a test of change within a healthcare team utilizing applied improvisational exercises (AIEs), and to lay the groundwork for more effective inter- and intra-professional communication.

Literature review: AIEs have been shown to facilitate individual participant communication strengths through a process of un-learning certain common behavioral habits, and learning new habits that assist in creating and expanding closed-loop communication. Such un-learning and learning enriches the participant’s awareness of the environment and encourages participant adaptability through positive group interactions.

Method: An all-day AIE seminar/workshop was conducted with members of two healthcare teams …

Staff Perceptions Of Work-Environment Factors Affecting Morale In Southeastern Registrar's Offices, Rheanna Plemons

Dissertations

Studies on morale are prevalent in industry, healthcare, and public educational systems. However, morale studies are limited within higher education and focusing on the support staff at universities. This qualitative study used focus groups to identify themes among support staff in selected Registrar’s Offices in the Southeastern region of the United States. Institutions were chosen based on comparable enrollments and similar organizational structure. The researcher asked participants to discuss their perceptions on current morale levels in the office and how different work responsibilities affect morale. In addition, participants were asked to discuss motivators used by leaders and whether those motivators …

Developing An Intentional Mentoring Model For Disciple Formation At The Mayfair Church Of Christ, Jason Bybee

Doctor of Ministry Theses and Dissertations

This doctor of ministry thesis presents the results of a project to lead a team in the development of an intentional mentoring model for disciple formation at the Mayfair Church of Christ. This intervention involved the team members in a series of sessions during September and October 2013. Project sessions were designed to provide participants an intentional mentoring experience through exposure to four core practices: exploration of the biblical text, appreciative inquiry exercises, communal sharing, and prayer. Sessions were informed by (1) an understanding of discipleship as following behind Jesus and walking alongside our fellow sojourners, (2) the nature of …

Ua3/9/7 Budget Update, Wku President's Office - Ransdell

WKU Administration Documents

Email from WKU president Gary Ransdell to faculty & staff regarding the budget.

Women In Politics: An Evaluation Of Electability And Influence Of The Media, Hannah Schiller

Senior Honors Theses

This paper explores the electability of women to higher office. It evaluates voter probability through studies that assess the effect of media attention to a candidate’s appearance. Furthermore, the paper studies the media coverage of Governor Sarah Palin’s campaign for Vice President. Finally, it includes an evaluation of Former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher’s successful campaign for Prime Minister. Based on the case studies of voter probability, Sarah Palin and Margaret Thatcher, women do face many obstacles to political office, yet women are fully capable of overcoming these obstacles and we will see a woman leader in an executive position on …

Ua3/9/7 Budget Update, Wku President's Office - Ransdell

WKU Administration Documents

Email from WKU president Gary Ransdell to faculty & staff regarding the budget.

Ua3/9/7 Retirement & Reorganization, Wku President's Office - Ransdell

WKU Administration Documents

Email from WKU president Gary Ransdell to faculty & staff.

Ua3/9/7 Budget Matters, Wku President's Office - Ransdell

WKU Administration Documents

Email from WKU president Gary Ransdell to faculty & staff regarding the budget.

Ua3/9/7 Legislative Talking Points, Wku President's Office - Ransdell

WKU Administration Documents

Email from WKU president Gary Ransdell to faculty & staff.

Ua3/9/7 2014 Winter Term Update, Wku President's Office - Ransdell

WKU Administration Documents

Email from WKU president Gary Ransdell to faculty & staff.

Ua42/3/2 Challenging The Spirit Action Plan, Wku Glasgow

WKU Administration Documents

Strategic plan workbook for 2014-2019.

The Influence Of The Emotional Intelligence Management Curriculum To Improve College Students’ Intrapersonal And Interpersonal Skills To Impact Leader Behavior And Team Performance Effectiveness, Cindy Register Love

Dissertations

There is a growing emphasis in institutions of higher learning to produce sustainable and competitive graduates who possess relevant personal competencies for career success. Emotional intelligence skills can provide the competitive edge for graduates to be successful int heir industry of choice. Integrating emotional intelligence into higher education can potentially shift the learning environment and increase specific personal competencies. This study aims to investigate the influence of an emotional intelligence intervention to improve college students’ intrapersonal and interpersonal skills to impact leader behavior skills and team effectiveness. The research looked specifically at students’ skills from three dimensions (intrapersonal,interpersonal, and leadership) …

Preaching That Leads To Transformation At The North Street Church Of Christ In Nacogdoches, Texas, Curtis Barbarick

Doctor of Ministry Theses and Dissertations

This doctor of ministry thesis presents the results of a project to develop a process whereby the sermon would be enhanced for listeners at the North Street Church of Christ in Nacogdoches, Texas, so that preaching would be more effective in leading to transformation. The theology and methodology of John Wesley were utilized as a lens by which to think about and implement this practice.

The intervention involved a six-week session with a focus group that represented a cross-section of the congregation. Participants in this group were asked to engage in a lectio divina exercise on a particular text daily, …

Small Group Crisis Response Strategies In Relation To Large Groups, Nina Madeline Sorber

Communication & Leadership Dissertations and Theses

Crisis communication, as a whole, has been widely studied by many communication researchers. Much of the research focuses on large corporations and devastating crises that become a household name. Crises such as the Exxon Valdez oil spill of 1989 or the criminal scandal of the Enron Corporation in 2001 are deliberately studied for the success and failures of its crisis management teams. What remains understudied are the crises of small groups. Socha (1997) describes a small group as being more than two and less than 15 people. With the millions of professional small groups in the world today, crises are …

Relationship Between Narrative And Engagement, Shelley Janine Svedahl

Communication & Leadership Dissertations and Theses

This study examined the use of narrative, specifically storytelling, on the perception of participation in the decision-making process. The changing demographics increased diversity in the workplace, and the need to increase understanding between cultures is particularly important when difference is often perceived as a barrier. A number of studies have been conducted to explore the use of narrative, and it is critical that communicators seek ways to create opportunities for sharing stories. This study utilized an ethnographic focus group and individual interviews involving a sample of eleven First Nations and non-First Nations people employed in a Branch where storytelling is …

Establishing Credibility Online Through Impression Management Strategies, Shauna Vanbogart

Communication & Leadership Dissertations and Theses

This project sought to understand how individuals establish credibility online through impression management strategies. Applying Goffman’s (1959) impression management theory, the literature review highlighted four leading self-presentation tactics that bolster credibility effectively on the Internet: structure and aesthetics of personal websites, publication of content that is consistent, insightful and authentic, the use of self-disclosure, and verification of expertise through testimonials and references. These four self-presentation strategies were applied to analyze eight entrepreneurs who have successfully built a credible presence online. These case studies were further developed through the design of online course that teaches entrepreneurs how to use impression management …

Silent Voice: Buberian Philosophy And Nonverbal Disability, Elizabeth M. Minium

Communication & Leadership Dissertations and Theses

Individuals who are developmentally disabled and nonverbal, possessing little if any symbolic expressive or receptive language, are virtually invisible in the United States. This study presupposes that all persons, including those who are nonverbal and/or developmentally disabled, have a unique “voice” and contribution to the communication practices of humanity and society. This philosophical study analyzes the qualities of communication of developmentally disabled, nonverbal individuals and their communication partners through the lens of Martin Buber’s dialogic philosophy. Conclusions suggest: 1) developmentally disabled, nonverbal persons do relate and communicate, and definitions of “communication” and “dialogue” should include those who do not think …

How The Narrative Paradigm Affects Military Stories, Richard Irving Mcnamara

Communication & Leadership Dissertations and Theses

This project defines how the narrative paradigm can be used with military storytelling to improve the credibility of the U.S. military. Furthermore, it outlines how the American Forces Network (AFN) can model its training with the narrative paradigm to become an innovative organization. The literature review examines the rules that the military has to follow with their stories, the narrative paradigm, transformational leadership and the path to innovation with the intent of creating a path for military Public Affairs leaders to follow while leading an AFN, or any story producing unit. The primary purpose of this project is a completed …

Mothers, Daughters, And The Intent To Breastfeed, Aquila Brooke Mendez-Valdez

Communication & Leadership Dissertations and Theses

The decision to breastfeed is a deeply personal one for every woman. There are often factors such as family and medical support that are outside a new mother's control and can influence her in how she views the nourishment of her infant. Previous studies have documented the effect doctors, nurses, and lactation consultants have on breastfeeding success. Less popular, however, is investigating how familial support and interpersonal communication plays a role in encouraging or discouraging the practice. This study examines how mothers and daughters communicate about breastfeeding, and the role it plays in both Mexico and the United States in …

Surviving The Digital Age, David Franklin Meland

Communication & Leadership Dissertations and Theses

This project provides a look at educational studies, theories, and principles to help people understand the enhancing and diminishing characteristics of contemporary communication technologies. The project uses the theoretical framework of media ecology to show that through an understanding of today’s media environments, society can better grasp just how media technology has been, and continues to be, an influential part of everyday life. The primary feature of the project is a comprehensive website – titled Surviving the Digital Age (http://melandd.wix.com/survivingdigitalage) – which also serves as a way to show how media plays an enormous role in shaping who we are …

Rio Grande Valley Student Completion Rates In University Schools Outside Of The Rio Grande Valley, Demetrius James Villanueva

Communication & Leadership Dissertations and Theses

The goal of this study is to create understanding of why Hispanic students from the Rio Grande Valley in Texas have trouble completing their higher educational goals once they leave the area. This study applies communication accommodation theory to better understand how students adapt their communication styles in their academic, personal, and social lives. This study also applied standpoint theory to see how growing up in the Rio Grande Valley impacts the students’ sense of selves. Ethnographic research was conducted with five students attending four different universities around Texas. Through observations and interviews, the researcher found several ways that the …

Understanding The Role Of Communication Anxiety/Uncertainty Management (Aum) Among Female Teenage Bloggers, Heather Carleston

Communication & Leadership Dissertations and Theses

This study examines how and what female teenagers communicate through blogging; how they manage uncertainty and anxiety within their posts and/or comments; the role communication anxiety/uncertainty plays in self-presentation and self-disclosure for this population; and how, when faced with bullying, flaming and adverse responses, they express and manage anxiety and uncertainty online. Using both Buber’s (1970) I-It and I-Thou philosophy and Gudykunst’s (2005) Anxiety and Uncertainty Management theory, this study examined the blog sites of three female U.S. teenagers. Examining the five most recently published blog posts, the study analyzed the details and self-disclosure levels, from site design and development; …

Indigenous Engagement And Resistance In The 21st Century: Empowering Indigenous Identity With Indigenous Film, Heather A. Hafer Cole

Communication & Leadership Dissertations and Theses

Indigenous people of the United States have historically been and continue to be objectified and misrepresented in art, history, science, literature, and mass media. This continued colonization contributes to loss of respect for culture, identity crisis among indigenous youth, health disparities of epidemic proportions, poor performance in education, substance abuse, violence and poverty. This qualitative study expands upon existing scholarship in media anthropology (Dilworth, 1996; Ginsberg, 1991 & 2008; and Prins, 2002) and indigenous studies (Rader, 2011; Singer, 2001; and Tuhiwai Smith, 2012) by analyzing the indigenous voice expressed through media practice, storytelling as a tool for empowering indigenous identity …

Using General Systems Theory To Evaluate Channels Of Feedback In A Law Enforcement Agency, Trent Aaron Gerbers

Communication & Leadership Dissertations and Theses

The principles of General Systems Theory and Management Cybernetics have been used, not only to analyze and evaluate organizational communication, but also to help improve communicative efficiency through the strengthening of message sending/receiving channels. This thesis continues the exploration of channel efficiency and feedback by examining the principles of General Systems Theory and Management Cybernetics through the daily interactions that occur at a municipal police department. The unique ranking structure and paramilitary nature of the law enforcement agency dictates policy that regulates the means of vertical communication between employees, but measuring the department’s current communication system against the principles of …