Preconference: Discussion, Dialogue, Discourse: Meanings and Methods

Session Submission Type: Panel

Abstract

Discussion, dialogue, and discourse have long been regarded as important concepts across a range of communication-related disciplines such as public relations, organizational communication, computer-mediated communication, journalism and political communication. These concepts are becoming even more significant with the increasing use of social media and other forms of online communication by organizations and their publics/stakeholders/citizens. The online environment has provided a unique milieu for the conduct of discussion, dialogue, and discourse, but it has also focused attention on the inconsistent use of these labels, the significance of the differences between the concepts, and the gaps between normative theory and pragmatic action. The focus of this preconference therefore will be to invite theoretical and empirical contributions that add to the understanding of discussion, dialogue, and discourse with particular emphasis on the translation of these concepts into the online space.

Guiding questions to be addressed in this preconference include the following:
• What are the theoretical connections between discussion, dialogue, and discourse?
• How do the concepts of discussion, dialogue, and discourse differ across disciplines? What is the significance of the differences to the theorizing of the concepts?
• Are there differences between the normative and empirical perspectives on discussion, dialogue, and discourse? What does this mean for the development of theory in this area?
• What sort of data and methodological approaches are most appropriate to study discussion, dialogue, and discourse?
• How do the concepts of discussion, dialogue, and discourse differ in different cultures?
• How are discussion, dialogue, and discourse enacted in intercultural contexts?
• What are the differences among the concepts discussion, dialogue, and discourse? How are they being translated to the online environment?
• How do we define discussion, dialogue, and discourse in online communication/social media?
• Is it possible to have genuine dialogue and discourse online or in social media?
• How can technology be used to enhance discussion, dialogue, and discourse?
• What connections are there – if any – between rhetoric and discussion, dialogue, and discourse?

The preconference aims to bring together participants from different backgrounds, including theoretically, methodologically, and practically oriented researchers and practitioners. It thereby aims to instill a vibrant exchange on most current research on discussion, dialogue, and discourse, including case studies, empirical analyses, and theoretical pieces.

Sub Unit

• Sponsored Sessions

Chairs

• Uta Russmann, FHWien University of Applied Sciences

• Anne B Lane, Queensland University of Technology

Participants

• Carl H. Botan, George Mason U

• Michael L. Kent, U of Oklahoma

• Karin Wahl-Jorgensen, Cardiff U - JOMEC

Individual Presentations

• Rules of Engagement: Preparing PR Students and Early Career Professionals for the Digital Front Lines - Betsy D. Anderson, U of Minnesota; Rebecca Dean Swenson, U of Minnesota; Nathan Gilkerson, Marquette U

• Dialogue: A Guiding Principle for Young Public Relations Professionals? Results of a Q‐Survey Among German Professional Newcomers - Helena Maria Stehle, U of Hohenheim; Simone Huck-Sandhu, Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Publizistik

• The Role of Social Media Discourses on Stakeholder Crises Awareness and Perception: A Conceptual Framework - Chiara Valentini, Aarhus U; Stefania Romenti, IULM U; Dean Kruckeberg, U of North Carolina - Charlotte

• Unfolding CSR Discourse in the Fashion Industry - Anne Ellerup Nielsen, BSS - Aarhus University; Chiara Valentini, Aarhus U; Candace L. White, U of Tennessee

• Creation of the Online Public Sphere: Discourse, Dialog, or Discussion - Christopher Wells, University of Wisconsin-Madison; Karolina Koc-Michalska, SciencesCom - Audencia Group; Darren Lilleker, Bournemouth U; Karl Rohe, U of Wisconsin-Madison

• From Chit-Chat to Discourse. A Theoretical Framework and Empirical Findings on Dialogic Interactions in Online Public Relations via Facebook - Kerstin Thummes, U of Muenster; Maja Malik, European Communication Research and Education Association

• Deliberation, Dialogue or Just Updating? Activist Social Media Practices in Southern Stockholm - Jakob Svensson, Uppsala University

• Dump the Dialogue: Re-Imagining Dialogue for 21st Century Organizations - Anne B Lane, Queensland University of Technology

• Audience Understanding of Discussion, Dialogue, and Environment in News Discourses - Alison N. Novak, Temple University

• Computer Supported Deliberation and Argumentation Online - Magnus Hoem Iversen, U of Bergen; Truls Pedersen, U of Bergen; Eirik Stavelin, U Bergen; Samia Touileb, U of Bergen