The Role of Tensions in the Empowering Communication

• In Event: Organizational Communication Research Escalator - Extended Session

Abstract

Contemporary organizations continue to face the longstanding empowerment trend, which involves increased member participation and responsibility in organizational life. Previous research contends the need of extensive communication with all stakeholders in order to provide for an empowering environment (Stohl & Cheney, 2001). This study explores how tensions play into the communicative interactions implemented to facilitate empowerment. The work is informed by the communicative constitution of organization (CCO) approach and mixed methods are used. The results show that tensions – related both to situated performances and organizational structures – play a significant role in the communication processes aiming for empowerment.

Author

• Therese Eva Maria Hedman Monstad, Uppsala U