Kentucky
Journal
of Communication
VOLUME 19
Fall 2000
Number 2
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Kentucky Journal of Communication
VOLUME 19 FALL 2000 NUMBER 2
ARTICLES
Institutional Shareholder Activism: The Storm That Cleaned Out the Boardroom
Stephen A. Cox
In the early 1990s, institutional shareholders united as a rhetorical movement
to influence the performance levels and governance practices of targeted U. S.
corporations. Using Griffin's (1952, 1980) movement framework and Bormann's
(1972, 1985) fantasy theme analysis, this study shows that shareholder activists
developed a rhetorical vision based upon three fantasy themes: activism,
independent directors, and communication. Outcomes of this rhetorical movement included the
resignation of CEOs (e.g., John Akers of IBM), companies placing greater
emphasis on independent/outside directors, and increases in shareholder value.
This study contributes to organizational communication research by linking the
institutional shareholder activists' rhetoric to changes in organizational
performance and governance.
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Rhetoric of Mythology: The New York Times Editorial Framing of Arab/Muslim Issues and Voices
Mohammad Auwal
This paper critiques how issues that primarily affect Arabs/Muslims are
editorially framed in The New York Times [NYT] during the 1990s. Three
intersecting frames are found characterizing the discourse: alienizing
Arab/Muslim-Americans, tokenizing Arab/Muslim voices in the op-ed debate, and
privileging realpolitik in editorial analysis. The paper argues that the NYT
editorial discourse strategically functions as the rhetoric of a mythology that
seeks to naturalize the systematic distortion of American Muslim identity,
normalize their political exclusion, and idealize its politics of expediency. In
so doing, the discourse also reflects influences of orientalism, which
constructs Arab/Islamic world as an enemy of the West, and deflects those of
postorientalism, which studies Islam as both a new phenomenon in and part of the
West.
INSTRUCTIONAL FORUM
Cloud Diagramming: An Approach to Enhance Communication in Conflict Situations
Paul Pittman and Vijay Krishna
Instructional activity outlining the efficacy of Conflict Resolution Diagrams (CRD) or "cloud diagrams."
(AU) Law: An Exercise to Improve Students' Critical THinking and Group COmmunication Abilities WHile Taching Persuasive Public Speaking
Abby Gray-Briggs
The introductory public speaking course provides valuable guidance and ample opportunity for the application of public speaking skills and techniques. However, the lab-like environment of the public speaking classroom often stifles the successful accomplishment of objectives. Student preparation occurs largely outise of class and largely on an individual basis, while implementation occurs largely in a simulated environment with an audience of "receivers" who have little involvement in or with the topic. Everyday experience, however, suggests that most public speaking situations occur largely in business or educational settings, oftwen with the contribution, feel forward and feedback of others prior to presenation, and largely to gorups or individuals who are familiar with the topic, have a vsted interest in the topic, or who were, are, or will be affected by some element of the presentation. The "AU Law" exercise uses a group-speech approach to : (1) improve students' critical thinking and group communication abilities, (2) improve students' analytical and perspective-taking skills, and (3) refine students' persuasive public speaking skills, argumentation skills, and delivery skills. What follows is a 5-step process that enables the successful implementation of "AU Law."
COMMENTARY
How America Communicates: What the NCA-Roper Starch Poll Means for Communication Instruction
William F. Eadie
Findings of an NCA commissioned survey assessing how U.S. adults feel about their communication skills. Findings are presented and discussed in terms of their implications for communication curricula and instruction. The Roper Starch report, along with the data files, are available here:
http://www.natcom.org/research/Poll/how_americans_communicate.htm.
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