Theo N.M. Schuyt and John J.M. Schuijt
Consultants are called in when managers of corporations and organizations face major changes. Cultural changes and transitions from one stage of development to another are among…
Abstract
Consultants are called in when managers of corporations and organizations face major changes. Cultural changes and transitions from one stage of development to another are among the subjects studied in cultural anthropology. This article looks at how cultural anthropological insights into trans‐ition rituals can be applied to consultancy practice. It is postulated that one of the roles played by the consultant in this context is that of a magician who guides the transition from the old to the new with not only rituals, but also rules. This approach has so far received little attention in management and consultancy literature. The article is rounded off with some conclusions.
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Keywords
This paper aims at providing a theoretical perspective to study the effects of the communication management/public relations of organizations on the social cohesion of…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims at providing a theoretical perspective to study the effects of the communication management/public relations of organizations on the social cohesion of individuals, groups and societies.
Design/methodology/approach
The possible connections between communication management and social cohesion, social integration and diversity are explored by looking at the concept of social capital. After discussing aspects of the hypothesis of decreasing social capital and of the hypothesis of increasing contingency of Western societies, questions are raised about the societal role of communication management as a profession that is usually described as being concerned with building relations. To study questions like these empirically, the actor network theory (ANT) is suggested as an analytical perspective and a methodological approach to elaborate the position of reflective communication management.
Findings
ANT or the sociology of associations seems a suitable theoretical perspective for studying the relations between communication management, social capital and social cohesion. ANT sheds a light on fact and meaning construction, on issues of power and framing and on coalition building activities and translation: who is bridging or bonding with whom and with what consequences?
Originality/value
Research from the perspective of ANT could result in a comprehensive understanding of communication management/public relations incorporating functionalistic, social psychological, relationship and rhetorical approaches.