Alison Henderson and Rachel Bowley
The purpose of this paper is to contribute to emerging theory about the role of authenticity in social media use through discussion of a not‐for‐profit organisation's experiences…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to contribute to emerging theory about the role of authenticity in social media use through discussion of a not‐for‐profit organisation's experiences of using social networking to communicate with potential stakeholders during a recruitment campaign.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper uses critical discourse analysis of semi‐structured interviews with organisational spokespersons to examine the use of social media by this not‐for‐profit organisation.
Findings
The organisation attempted to re‐position its identity to appear “authentic” to potential young stakeholders, and to use social media to build a dialogue that would attract new recruits to the industry. The paper discusses the challenges and opportunities experienced by the not‐for‐profit organisation in this recruitment campaign.
Practical implications
Organisations contemplating the use of social networking sites to engage new audiences can reflect on the problems encountered in the implementation of this campaign, and plan to avoid similar pitfalls.
Originality/value
The study presents original empirical data in relation to social networking by a not‐for‐profit organisation. It demonstrates the importance of audience perceptions of authenticity and raises important questions about organisational “control”, and the expectations of employees carrying out “authenticity work”.
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Dawn R. Gilpin, Edward T. Palazzolo and Nicholas Brody
Use of digital media channels is growing in public communication. Given the importance of public trust in government figures and agencies, combined with the risk and fear of…
Abstract
Purpose
Use of digital media channels is growing in public communication. Given the importance of public trust in government figures and agencies, combined with the risk and fear of misrepresentation inherent in online interaction, it is important to develop theoretical frameworks for investigating the ways in which authenticity is constructed in online public affairs communication. The purpose of this paper is to produce a preliminary model of authenticity in online communication, with particular emphasis on public institutions.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper first develops a theoretical model of authenticity from existing literature in various disciplines. It then uses that model to explore a quantitative and qualitative content analysis of the comments on the US State Department blog, DipNote, from its inception to the end of the Bush Administration.
Findings
Despite limited interactions between DipNote authors and commenters, the types and quantity of responses to posts indicate a desire by some readers to discuss the topics raised in the blog space. These responses also suggest that at least some commenters find that the blog meets their criteria for authenticity to the extent necessary to engage in community‐type interaction within its virtual boundaries. A functional‐structural analysis of the blog responses supports the essential components of the theoretical model proposed, which suggests that DipNote presents a mixed form of authenticity.
Originality/value
Authenticity is particularly important in the public sphere, and public institutions are increasingly engaging with social media as a means of connecting with constituencies. This paper proposes a starting‐point for theory development regarding this significant emerging area of communication.
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Dialogue and debate in today's public sphere increasingly engage with audiences that are sophisticated in their assessments of both the intent and the quality of formal…
Abstract
Purpose
Dialogue and debate in today's public sphere increasingly engage with audiences that are sophisticated in their assessments of both the intent and the quality of formal communication. In this promotional culture, increased scepticism about the degree to which organisations and political parties can be trusted to be genuine has resulted in a renewed focus on authenticity in communication. However, being “authentic” is easier said than done. The notion of authenticity is complex; research has defined it as an individual attribute, an organisational attribute, and a source of organisational capital in the quest for a market. This paper aims to review the understandings of authenticity as an individual attribute and draw on them to understand the problematic of authenticity as an organisational or brand characteristic, marketed to generate compliance from audiences.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper takes the form of a conceptual analysis of literature on authenticity.
Findings
The analysis reveals a number of problems that can arise from inappropriate authenticity claims by organisations.
Research limitations/implications
The paper demonstrates how future research might usefully draw on disciplines outside public relations, marketing and corporate communications to inform work in the field and shed new light on existing theory and practice.
Practical implications
The paper challenges practitioners to examine the effects of their work, given the nature of authenticity as a socially constructed phenomenon.
Originality/value
The paper offers a new way of looking at claims to authenticity and examines the wider implications of such claims in terms of both their effectiveness and their exclusionary effects.
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The purpose of this paper is to define the construct authenticity and its dimensions and to propose an index to measure levels of authenticity in organisational messages and…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to define the construct authenticity and its dimensions and to propose an index to measure levels of authenticity in organisational messages and actions, as well as perceived authenticity from the stakeholders' perspective.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper takes the form of a comprehensive literature review.
Findings
The construct authenticity and its dimensions are defined from a multidisciplinary perspective, including literature from advertising, communication studies, marketing, and public relations.
Research limitations/implications
Items for an authenticity index are proposed. Such a scale could be used to measure the effectiveness of public relations efforts and techniques and, therefore, the perceived authenticity of organisations, including its actions, operations, product, services, and spokespeople in the mind of stakeholders.
Practical implications
The consistency between authentic claims, offerings, and promises and the management philosophy and behaviour of organisations would determine the effectiveness of public relations efforts assessed by measuring the responses, actions, and behaviours of stakeholders.
Social implications
The evenness between the genuine nature of organisational offerings and their communication is crucial to overcome the eroding confidence in major social institutions. Authenticity claims must capture the experiences, aspirations, and expectations of the involved segment of society that organisations aim to engage; otherwise, a clash of values may occur.
Originality/value
The paper provides ideas for measuring authenticity in organisational messages and actions as a guide to best ethical practices and support for teaching the value of the studied construct.
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The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the development of the theory of authenticity and metaconversations, particularly in relation to managerial metaconversations, and to…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the development of the theory of authenticity and metaconversations, particularly in relation to managerial metaconversations, and to show an empirical example of what one might term authentic metaconversational management from below.
Design/methodology/approach
The theoretical part of the paper consists of an analysis and elaboration of theories of metaconversation and management. The empirical part of the paper builds on a single case study, which was of both the one holistic and embedded holistic type. In connection with the case study structured and unstructured, open and direct techniques of participant observation were applied. Certain parts of the case study were based on action research and consultation methods.
Findings
This conceptual paper presents a definition of authenticity in relation to the theory of metaconversations, and demonstrates with the help of a case study that metaconversations can also be created from below, via a bottom‐up process.
Practical implications
On the basis of the theory of authenticity and metaconversations, the manager(s) and staff, collectively and individually, can reflect on and discuss whether the metaconversations they create and by which they are encompassed – or to which exposed – are authentic in the sense that everyone is being given a voice.
Originality/value
The paper offers a concept of authenticity, as it relates to management, which challenges the idea of authenticity as being primarily concerned with the manager's relationship with himself or herself, e.g. the degree of consistency between a manager's “walk” and “talk”. Authenticity in relation to the theory of management as a metaconversation deals with the relationship between the manager and the staff, for which reason authenticity in this paper is treated as a social and collective matter, not merely one which is individual and personal.
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Discusses organisation, automation and performance measurementaspects of interlibrary loan department management, and developments incharging for and the preservation of ILL…
Abstract
Discusses organisation, automation and performance measurement aspects of interlibrary loan department management, and developments in charging for and the preservation of ILL items. Highlights the problems of ILL in developing countries, and changes and developments in the rest of the world. Considers electronic document delivery systems, the effect of technological advances on libraries and the “Burgundy effect”.
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This paper aims to explore how team processes relate to employee team learning that leads to innovation in higher education (HE) and provides leaders with an adaptable model with…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to explore how team processes relate to employee team learning that leads to innovation in higher education (HE) and provides leaders with an adaptable model with recommendations for implementation.
Design/methodology/approach
This research was guided by theories of experiential learning, action learning and organizational learning, as well as change theory and design thinking. The process and results are grounded in mixed methods action research including document analysis, interviews, observations and surveys. Team-level data were analyzed using content analysis, process analysis, frequency analysis, descriptive statistics, Cronbach’s alpha and Wilcoxon signed-rank.
Findings
Universities struggle to prioritize proactive approaches to serving students. This research indicates teams engaging in frequent welcoming, ideating, synthesizing and mentor-seeking behaviors developed higher quality and more innovative proposals for organizational improvement when compared with teams engaging in these behaviors less often. Team member individual innovative ability increased at a statistically significant level after participation.
Research limitations/implications
This research is based on one HE setting in the USA.
Practical implications
The model used in this study could be adapted to fit a variety of contexts especially in HE. Findings could inform training development to facilitate team learning that leads to innovative action.
Originality/value
This study adds to the existing learning organization and HE administration literature by expanding on the role of team behaviors in effective team learning by considering team processes over time. This research adds to a paucity of literature related to employee team learning in HE.
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Rosie Morrow, Alison Rodriguez and Nigel King
The purpose of this paper is to explore the perceived wellbeing benefits of the unstructured camping experience for young adults.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the perceived wellbeing benefits of the unstructured camping experience for young adults.
Design/methodology/approach
This is a cross-sectional descriptive phenomenological study. Young adults between the ages of 21 and 30 years with recent experiences of camping were invited to participate in the study. A descriptive phenomenological approach was taken, involving photograph-guided semi-structured interviews and Colaizzi’s seven-stage analysis framework. Ethical approval was granted by the university where the study was managed.
Findings
Four female participants were interviewed; each interview lasted approximately 60 minutes in duration. Unstructured camping holidays were perceived to heighten general perceptions of health and wellbeing. Five themes emerged: “Getting away”, “Appreciation of the Natural Environment”, “Relationship Maintenance”, “Tranquility and Relaxation” and “Freedom and Adventure/Exploration”. The unstructured nature of the activity encouraged participant’s freewill to appreciate the natural environment and to engage in physical activity. Escape from everyday stressors to a tranquil environment provided the space and time to think and talk, relax and be active.
Originality/value
Green care initiatives could use the unstructured camping experience, or what the authors have framed as the “back to basics” model of camping, as a tool to promote general health and wellbeing in clinical and non-clinical young adult populations. Further research is needed to substantiate the evidence base, especially to probe further around the benefits of the spontaneity of the “back to basics” camping experience, in contrast to the structured group camp experiences the authors advocate in the UK and overseas for children’s leisure or health purposes.