Purpose: Unlike how we previously knew it to be, the public sphere has evolved to include digital spaces, making them metamorphose into digital public spheres. These digital spaces are more open, accessible, and void of certain bottlenecks. It is, therefore, now impossible to describe a public sphere without mentioning digital spaces. As such, this study aims to find out the audience's perception of X (formerly Twitter) trends as a tool for the Nigerian public sphere. Materials and Methods: The survey research method was used to obtain responses from 200 respondents, using the purposive sampling technique of selecting only X (formerly Twitter) users. Findings: The findings reveal that most X (formerly Twitter) users often utilise X (formerly Twitter) trends to some extent; X (formerly Twitter) trends influence the content of some users but not the majority of them, even if the majority use the feature. In addition, X (formerly Twitter) Trends highlight significant content for X (formerly Twitter) users in Nigeria. Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: Some of the recommendations of the study include the following: the government should pay closer attention to relevant public conversations on the X (formerly Twitter) platform to understand people’s take on certain issues and how to help them better; they should also partner with relevant agencies to set up regular digital literacy campaigns to help the public effectively engage with social media content on X (formerly Twitter). Also, stakeholders like X (formerly Twitter) should ensure suitable systems are in place for accurate Trends metrics to avoid misleading users with the wrong Trends or content by some users. In addition, X (formerly Twitter) should develop campaigns and guides to help users better understand how to engage with the Trends feature on X (formerly Twitter).
{"title":"Audience’s Perception of X (Formerly Twitter) Trends as a Tool for the Nigerian Public Sphere","authors":"Ayishat Sandra Olanrewaju","doi":"10.47672/ajc.2216","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.47672/ajc.2216","url":null,"abstract":"Purpose: Unlike how we previously knew it to be, the public sphere has evolved to include digital spaces, making them metamorphose into digital public spheres. These digital spaces are more open, accessible, and void of certain bottlenecks. It is, therefore, now impossible to describe a public sphere without mentioning digital spaces. As such, this study aims to find out the audience's perception of X (formerly Twitter) trends as a tool for the Nigerian public sphere. \u0000Materials and Methods: The survey research method was used to obtain responses from 200 respondents, using the purposive sampling technique of selecting only X (formerly Twitter) users. \u0000Findings: The findings reveal that most X (formerly Twitter) users often utilise X (formerly Twitter) trends to some extent; X (formerly Twitter) trends influence the content of some users but not the majority of them, even if the majority use the feature. In addition, X (formerly Twitter) Trends highlight significant content for X (formerly Twitter) users in Nigeria. \u0000Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: Some of the recommendations of the study include the following: the government should pay closer attention to relevant public conversations on the X (formerly Twitter) platform to understand people’s take on certain issues and how to help them better; they should also partner with relevant agencies to set up regular digital literacy campaigns to help the public effectively engage with social media content on X (formerly Twitter). Also, stakeholders like X (formerly Twitter) should ensure suitable systems are in place for accurate Trends metrics to avoid misleading users with the wrong Trends or content by some users. In addition, X (formerly Twitter) should develop campaigns and guides to help users better understand how to engage with the Trends feature on X (formerly Twitter).","PeriodicalId":103346,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Communication","volume":"4 19","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141642092","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
F. Tsuma, Professor Hellen Mberia, Prof. Idah Muchunku
Purpose: This study analyzed the influence of Interpersonal Communication participants in the promotion of child nutrition in Kilifi County, Kenya. Materials and Methods: The study which was guided by the Social Penetration Theory and employed the mixed methods research design. A sample of 10 Health Professionals drawn from Public Healthcare facilities and 247 residents with children aged 5 years and below was drawn from Ganze Constituency in Kilifi County. Data was collected through questionnaires and interviews. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics while thematic analysis was used to analyze qualitative data. Data was presented in tabular form. Findings: The study found that multiple sources of child nutrition information existed and influenced the nutrition of a child in different degrees. Such sources included Health Professionals, Family members, Male care givers, opinion leaders and peers. Among these sources Health professionals were identified as the most preferred source of child nutrition information. Additionally, findings indicated that Interpersonal Communication participants largely contributed to the promotion of complementary feeding and an understanding of the effects of malnutrition. Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: This study recommends that mechanisms should be put in place to monitor and evaluate messages emanating from informal sources of child nutrition information in order to negate any false narratives that can counter strides made in the promotion of child nutrition emanating from such sources. This study also recommends that Health Professionals should invest in developing a positive relationship with patients so as to increase the depth and breadth of child nutrition information they can provide.
{"title":"The Influence of Interpersonal Communication Participants on Child Nutrition Promotion in Kilifi County, Kenya","authors":"F. Tsuma, Professor Hellen Mberia, Prof. Idah Muchunku","doi":"10.47672/ajc.1899","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.47672/ajc.1899","url":null,"abstract":"Purpose: This study analyzed the influence of Interpersonal Communication participants in the promotion of child nutrition in Kilifi County, Kenya. \u0000Materials and Methods: The study which was guided by the Social Penetration Theory and employed the mixed methods research design. A sample of 10 Health Professionals drawn from Public Healthcare facilities and 247 residents with children aged 5 years and below was drawn from Ganze Constituency in Kilifi County. Data was collected through questionnaires and interviews. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics while thematic analysis was used to analyze qualitative data. Data was presented in tabular form. \u0000Findings: The study found that multiple sources of child nutrition information existed and influenced the nutrition of a child in different degrees. Such sources included Health Professionals, Family members, Male care givers, opinion leaders and peers. Among these sources Health professionals were identified as the most preferred source of child nutrition information. Additionally, findings indicated that Interpersonal Communication participants largely contributed to the promotion of complementary feeding and an understanding of the effects of malnutrition. \u0000Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: This study recommends that mechanisms should be put in place to monitor and evaluate messages emanating from informal sources of child nutrition information in order to negate any false narratives that can counter strides made in the promotion of child nutrition emanating from such sources. This study also recommends that Health Professionals should invest in developing a positive relationship with patients so as to increase the depth and breadth of child nutrition information they can provide.","PeriodicalId":103346,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Communication","volume":"11 13","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140745585","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Miring’u Edward Waweru, Prof. M. M. Sakwa, Dr. Julius Bosire
Purpose: The main purpose of the study was to establish the association of source attributes and terrorism risk preparedness among the residents of Nairobi City County. Materials and Methods: This study followed a mixed-methods design comprising mainly of a questionnaire survey complemented by observation, key informant interviews and document analysis, The design employed the Concurrent Convergent (Triangulation) Parallel strategy. According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, Nairobi City County has a resident population of 4,397,073. A further estimated 2.5 million non-residents visit the city-county daily for business, work, or as tourists and travelers in transit to other counties. Therefore, the target population for this study was approximately 6.5 million. The study population was drawn using stratified purposive random sampling technique where the list of all the sampling locations was categorized into four strata. The sample size was 640 respondents who were proportionately randomly drawn from four different strata. Findings: Regression of coefficients showed that source attributes and terrorism risk preparedness were positively and significantly related (β=0.379, p=0.000). Specifically, 53.6% of the respondents agreed with the statement that receiving information from credible sources on terrorism attacks provides motivation for preparedness in case of a terrorist attack. Similarly, 64.8% agreed with the statement that consistency in terrorism risks communications provides motivation to preparedness behaviour adoption 62.6% of the respondents were in concurrence that competence among that communication terrorism risk preparedness was a motivating factor for preparedness. Further, only 43.1% of the respondents indicated that their organisations were using experts in terrorism risk communication and preparedness. 64.6% were of the opinion that involving non experts in decisions related to terrorism risk communications and preparedness can result in preparedness action taking laxity. Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study recommends that professionals charged with emergency risk communication for terrorism preparedness should particularly: demonstrate expertise and competence in the subject matter to instill confidence in their audiences that the information is reliable and useful. This can be achieved by involving qualified professionals, experts, or organizations with relevant experience in emergency risk preparedness and build trust by being transparent, honest, and reliable in communication. Trust can also be enhanced by providing accurate information, acknowledging uncertainties when applicable, and addressing any concerns or doubts promptly.
{"title":"Information Source Attributes and Terrorism Risk Preparedness among the Residents of Nairobi City County","authors":"Miring’u Edward Waweru, Prof. M. M. Sakwa, Dr. Julius Bosire","doi":"10.47672/ajc.1887","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.47672/ajc.1887","url":null,"abstract":"Purpose: The main purpose of the study was to establish the association of source attributes and terrorism risk preparedness among the residents of Nairobi City County. \u0000Materials and Methods: This study followed a mixed-methods design comprising mainly of a questionnaire survey complemented by observation, key informant interviews and document analysis, The design employed the Concurrent Convergent (Triangulation) Parallel strategy. According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, Nairobi City County has a resident population of 4,397,073. A further estimated 2.5 million non-residents visit the city-county daily for business, work, or as tourists and travelers in transit to other counties. Therefore, the target population for this study was approximately 6.5 million. The study population was drawn using stratified purposive random sampling technique where the list of all the sampling locations was categorized into four strata. The sample size was 640 respondents who were proportionately randomly drawn from four different strata. \u0000Findings: Regression of coefficients showed that source attributes and terrorism risk preparedness were positively and significantly related (β=0.379, p=0.000). Specifically, 53.6% of the respondents agreed with the statement that receiving information from credible sources on terrorism attacks provides motivation for preparedness in case of a terrorist attack. Similarly, 64.8% agreed with the statement that consistency in terrorism risks communications provides motivation to preparedness behaviour adoption 62.6% of the respondents were in concurrence that competence among that communication terrorism risk preparedness was a motivating factor for preparedness. Further, only 43.1% of the respondents indicated that their organisations were using experts in terrorism risk communication and preparedness. 64.6% were of the opinion that involving non experts in decisions related to terrorism risk communications and preparedness can result in preparedness action taking laxity. \u0000Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study recommends that professionals charged with emergency risk communication for terrorism preparedness should particularly: demonstrate expertise and competence in the subject matter to instill confidence in their audiences that the information is reliable and useful. This can be achieved by involving qualified professionals, experts, or organizations with relevant experience in emergency risk preparedness and build trust by being transparent, honest, and reliable in communication. Trust can also be enhanced by providing accurate information, acknowledging uncertainties when applicable, and addressing any concerns or doubts promptly.","PeriodicalId":103346,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Communication","volume":" 21","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-03-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140382177","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Purpose: The aim of this research was to evaluate the efficacy of county communication frameworks in fostering public participation in Kenya’s 47 devolved governments. Effective communication is both a function and proof of good governance. Thus the significance of county communication facilitating enduring citizen participation in policy making and implementation processes cannot be overstated. The evaluation of county communication approaches was conducted in alignment with overall objectives outlined in the County Government Act of 2012. These objectives include: creating awareness on devolution and governance; promotion of peace and cohesion; advocacy for development, and promotion of the freedom of the media. Methodology: The present study adopted a qualitative research approach. The research targeted 8 counties clustered in county economic blocs of North Rift Economic Bloc (NOREB), Lake Region Economic Bloc LREB, Frontier Counties Development Council (FCDC) , South Eastern Kenya Economic Block (SEKEB), Mt Kenya and Aberdares Economic Bloc, Jumuiya ya Kaunti za Pwani( JKP), Narok and Kajiado Economic Block(NAKAEB) and Nairobi City County. The counties purposely selected to represent each of these economic blocs include: Trans Nzoia, Kisumu, Mandera, Makueni, Meru, Kwale, Narok and Nairobi. This study used both primary and secondary methods to collect data. In-depth interviews were used to collect primary data from 26 participants, specifically, from Council of Governors, Sub-County Administrators, County Assemblies Forum, County Directors of Communication and Community Based Organizations. They were purposively chosen for their role in communicating, facilitating, and monitoring public participation. Secondary data was collected mainly from national dataset, surveys, and reports from ministries, departments, and agencies. Findings: The findings show that concept of public participation is deeply rooted in the Constitution of Kenya 2010. County communication frameworks embed strategic communication approaches for policy making and implementation in devolved governments. The finds show that the level of understanding of devolution among Kenyans varies. Those in urban and city counties have a greater appreciation of decentralization while those in rural counties have limited understanding of devolution and its implication. Majority of Kenyans have difficulty distinguishing functions of devolved governments from those assigned to the national government by the CoK 2010. Additionally, county governments are required to promote peace and cohesion among the residents. The findings show that this objective receives less emphasis and is not a priority of counties, with the exception of frontier counties. However, counties promote development in their jurisdiction recognizing that they have a responsibility to stimulate investments that create jobs for unemployed and generally improve living standards of the residents. Finally, county governments ha
{"title":"Effectiveness of County Communication Approaches in Facilitating Public Participation in Kenya’s Devolved Governments","authors":"E. M. Wasike, Masibo Lumala, Jane Malel","doi":"10.47672/ajc.1884","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.47672/ajc.1884","url":null,"abstract":"Purpose: The aim of this research was to evaluate the efficacy of county communication frameworks in fostering public participation in Kenya’s 47 devolved governments. Effective communication is both a function and proof of good governance. Thus the significance of county communication facilitating enduring citizen participation in policy making and implementation processes cannot be overstated. The evaluation of county communication approaches was conducted in alignment with overall objectives outlined in the County Government Act of 2012. These objectives include: creating awareness on devolution and governance; promotion of peace and cohesion; advocacy for development, and promotion of the freedom of the media. \u0000Methodology: The present study adopted a qualitative research approach. The research targeted 8 counties clustered in county economic blocs of North Rift Economic Bloc (NOREB), Lake Region Economic Bloc LREB, Frontier Counties Development Council (FCDC) , South Eastern Kenya Economic Block (SEKEB), Mt Kenya and Aberdares Economic Bloc, Jumuiya ya Kaunti za Pwani( JKP), Narok and Kajiado Economic Block(NAKAEB) and Nairobi City County. The counties purposely selected to represent each of these economic blocs include: Trans Nzoia, Kisumu, Mandera, Makueni, Meru, Kwale, Narok and Nairobi. This study used both primary and secondary methods to collect data. In-depth interviews were used to collect primary data from 26 participants, specifically, from Council of Governors, Sub-County Administrators, County Assemblies Forum, County Directors of Communication and Community Based Organizations. They were purposively chosen for their role in communicating, facilitating, and monitoring public participation. Secondary data was collected mainly from national dataset, surveys, and reports from ministries, departments, and agencies. \u0000Findings: The findings show that concept of public participation is deeply rooted in the Constitution of Kenya 2010. County communication frameworks embed strategic communication approaches for policy making and implementation in devolved governments. The finds show that the level of understanding of devolution among Kenyans varies. Those in urban and city counties have a greater appreciation of decentralization while those in rural counties have limited understanding of devolution and its implication. Majority of Kenyans have difficulty distinguishing functions of devolved governments from those assigned to the national government by the CoK 2010. Additionally, county governments are required to promote peace and cohesion among the residents. The findings show that this objective receives less emphasis and is not a priority of counties, with the exception of frontier counties. However, counties promote development in their jurisdiction recognizing that they have a responsibility to stimulate investments that create jobs for unemployed and generally improve living standards of the residents. Finally, county governments ha","PeriodicalId":103346,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Communication","volume":"66 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140224028","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Purpose: Corporate artefacts are those things that are visible, obvious expressions, manifestations and processes of culture in an organization. They give implicit cues to users about the meaning of the place and norms expectation for behaviour in a place. They are an essential ingredient for superior organizational performance and have been linked to school performance. The purpose of the study was to examine the influence of corporate artefacts on customer satisfaction in public secondary schools in Nairobi County, Kenya. These artefacts such as practices and process, logo, mission and vision etc are important communication elements that customers use to create meanings of messages in an organization like a school. Materials and Methods: This study used a mixed research design with a population study of 3588 students. It included both boys and girls from 12 public secondary schools in Nairobi City County. The students ages ranged from 14 years to 21 years and were in Form 2 to Form 4. Stratified random sampling was used to sample the population and respondents were then calculated proportionately according to the actual sizes in the schools. A sample size of 369 respondents was selected with 296 respondents responding to the questionnaires and 11 principals or their deputies interviewed. Quantitative data collection was done through questionnaires while qualitative data was collected using interview guides. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse quantitative data. Analysed data was then presented using graphs, tables and charts. Qualitative data was analysed thematically and presented in a narrative form. Inferential statistics used were descriptive, correlation, regression and ANOVA analysis. Findings: The findings of the study indicated that students in public secondary schools also referred to as customers were satisfied with the visible structures that existed in their schools that included the logo, the vision and mission. Additionally, the students were satisfied with the processes in the schools that included the teacher students interactions that influenced the learning environment. The teacher student interaction is a critical process in learning because it helps teachers create a classroom environment that is helpful to learning as well as meeting student’s educational and emotional needs which then impact on the student’s performance, role clarity and behaviour conformity. From the interview findings, the teachers agreed that they have good teacher-student interactions that help to improve learning and students are encouraged to participate in class activities. However, the students were dissatisfied with the technological systems in their schools. This study revealed that technology is a challenge in most schools and has limited access to academic resources which affect their performance and ultimately their satisfaction. This study concludes that corporate artefacts had a positive influence on customer sa
{"title":"Corporate Artefacts and Customer Satisfaction in Public Secondary Schools in Nairobi County, Kenya","authors":"Winfred Karingu, Hellen Mberia, Ndati Ndati","doi":"10.47672/ajc.1751","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.47672/ajc.1751","url":null,"abstract":"Purpose: Corporate artefacts are those things that are visible, obvious expressions, manifestations and processes of culture in an organization. They give implicit cues to users about the meaning of the place and norms expectation for behaviour in a place. They are an essential ingredient for superior organizational performance and have been linked to school performance. The purpose of the study was to examine the influence of corporate artefacts on customer satisfaction in public secondary schools in Nairobi County, Kenya. These artefacts such as practices and process, logo, mission and vision etc are important communication elements that customers use to create meanings of messages in an organization like a school. \u0000Materials and Methods: This study used a mixed research design with a population study of 3588 students. It included both boys and girls from 12 public secondary schools in Nairobi City County. The students ages ranged from 14 years to 21 years and were in Form 2 to Form 4. Stratified random sampling was used to sample the population and respondents were then calculated proportionately according to the actual sizes in the schools. A sample size of 369 respondents was selected with 296 respondents responding to the questionnaires and 11 principals or their deputies interviewed. Quantitative data collection was done through questionnaires while qualitative data was collected using interview guides. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse quantitative data. Analysed data was then presented using graphs, tables and charts. Qualitative data was analysed thematically and presented in a narrative form. Inferential statistics used were descriptive, correlation, regression and ANOVA analysis. \u0000Findings: The findings of the study indicated that students in public secondary schools also referred to as customers were satisfied with the visible structures that existed in their schools that included the logo, the vision and mission. Additionally, the students were satisfied with the processes in the schools that included the teacher students interactions that influenced the learning environment. The teacher student interaction is a critical process in learning because it helps teachers create a classroom environment that is helpful to learning as well as meeting student’s educational and emotional needs which then impact on the student’s performance, role clarity and behaviour conformity. From the interview findings, the teachers agreed that they have good teacher-student interactions that help to improve learning and students are encouraged to participate in class activities. However, the students were dissatisfied with the technological systems in their schools. This study revealed that technology is a challenge in most schools and has limited access to academic resources which affect their performance and ultimately their satisfaction. This study concludes that corporate artefacts had a positive influence on customer sa","PeriodicalId":103346,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Communication","volume":"829 ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140479485","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Purpose: The purpose of the study was to assess the communication strategies used in the process of performance contracting for employees within the county government of Nakuru. Materials and Methods: This study used mixed research design. This research design was appropriate for this study as data collected was both quantitative and qualitative. The target population was representatives of the different departments of the County Government of Nakuru employees working in the headquarters. The study population consisted of 656 members of staff working within the headquarters of Nakuru County Government. The study used stratified random sampling to sample 80 staff members working both the managerial and subordinate level of the departments within the county government of Nakuru headquarters. Primary information was used in the study. During data analysis, both qualitative and quantitative data were analysed. Qualitative information was filtered and the main words in conversations tabulated for analysis using SPSS. Inferential statistics used visual tools such as graphs and pie charts to make inferences of the entire population. Frequencies, mean and percentages were also used to summarize the data. This gave visual representation of the data collected. Findings: Regression of coefficients showed that communication strategies used in the process of performance contracting had a positive and significant effect with productivity of Nakuru county government employees (β=0.691, p=0.000). Conclusions: The study concluded that the county government of Nakuru frequently used emails, discussions, trainings as well as small meetings to communicate with the employees. However, the county government rarely used employee recognition and awards to communicate with their employees. Besides many other things the communication within the county helps the employees to perform their tasks well; to have information about the duties they have to perform, and about the goals of the organization. The study also concluded that communication strategies used in the process of performance contracting had a positive and significant effect with productivity of Nakuru county government employees. Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: The county government of Nakuru should develops its own media like a local radio station, publication or TV station as these could help improve strategic communications. In addition, the county government should introduce employee recognition and awards as a channel of effectively communicate with their employees.
{"title":"Communication Strategies Used in Performance Contracting in the County Government of Nakuru, Kenya","authors":"Joe Miring’u Njoroge, Josphine Khaemba, L. Mareri","doi":"10.47672/ajc.1710","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.47672/ajc.1710","url":null,"abstract":"Purpose: The purpose of the study was to assess the communication strategies used in the process of performance contracting for employees within the county government of Nakuru. \u0000Materials and Methods: This study used mixed research design. This research design was appropriate for this study as data collected was both quantitative and qualitative. The target population was representatives of the different departments of the County Government of Nakuru employees working in the headquarters. The study population consisted of 656 members of staff working within the headquarters of Nakuru County Government. The study used stratified random sampling to sample 80 staff members working both the managerial and subordinate level of the departments within the county government of Nakuru headquarters. Primary information was used in the study. During data analysis, both qualitative and quantitative data were analysed. Qualitative information was filtered and the main words in conversations tabulated for analysis using SPSS. Inferential statistics used visual tools such as graphs and pie charts to make inferences of the entire population. Frequencies, mean and percentages were also used to summarize the data. This gave visual representation of the data collected. \u0000Findings: Regression of coefficients showed that communication strategies used in the process of performance contracting had a positive and significant effect with productivity of Nakuru county government employees (β=0.691, p=0.000). \u0000Conclusions: The study concluded that the county government of Nakuru frequently used emails, discussions, trainings as well as small meetings to communicate with the employees. However, the county government rarely used employee recognition and awards to communicate with their employees. Besides many other things the communication within the county helps the employees to perform their tasks well; to have information about the duties they have to perform, and about the goals of the organization. The study also concluded that communication strategies used in the process of performance contracting had a positive and significant effect with productivity of Nakuru county government employees. \u0000Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: The county government of Nakuru should develops its own media like a local radio station, publication or TV station as these could help improve strategic communications. In addition, the county government should introduce employee recognition and awards as a channel of effectively communicate with their employees.","PeriodicalId":103346,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Communication","volume":"16 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-12-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"138947257","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
S. Adebola, Professor Hellen Mberia, Dr. Joan Mutua
Purpose: The purpose of the study was to examine the influence of socio-cultural practice features and portrayal of women in the choice of cosmetic products in Lagos Nigeria. Materials and Methods: The study examined social practice features and portrayal of women in choice of cosmetic products in Lagos Nigeria using a mixed method design. The study adopted purposive sampling because this study was only to investigate cosmetic product advertisements and involved only women. The data were collected from seven advertisements of popularly used cosmetic products from company websites and transcribed to ease the process of analysis. They were then analyzed based on Fairclough’s three-dimensional framework of Critical Discourse Analysis. Data for the quantitative aspect data was collected using a questionnaire based on Likert-type scale questions ranging from 1-5 to capture the variables and analysed using descriptive statistics such as mean and standard deviation and inferential statistics as correlation analysis and regression analysis through SPSS and presented in tables. Findings: The findings indicate that socio-cultural practice features significantly predicted portrayal of women in the choice of cosmetic products as the result shows direct positive of social-cultural practice. Most of the portrayal of women tend to persuade the women on a certain form of beauty despite the Nigerian culture. As a result, many people believe what the advertisement says and choose to see themselves in the light of these advertisements. This is part of the effect on social change created by advertisements in the society. Thus, advertisers tend to change the way society views beauty by creating a new beauty ideology and a new standard of beauty derived from what their advertisement says. Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study was guided by CDA and the Magic of Meaning theory. Results show that there is a statistically significant relationship between the influence of socio-cultural practice features and the portrayal of women in the choice of cosmetic products. Using CDA, this indicates some social wrongs in the advertisements including the issue of self- esteem in women thereby eroding confidence of the consumers; the demand for women to continually look attractive through these products and compulsive impulse to buy these products. Issues of self-esteem in women are raised thus, cosmetic companies should learn to advertise their products with less manipulative words that will be more societally acceptable. Also, further research is recommended since advertising has an essential role in society.
{"title":"Social Practice and Portrayal of Women in the Choice of Cosmetic Products in Lagos Nigeria","authors":"S. Adebola, Professor Hellen Mberia, Dr. Joan Mutua","doi":"10.47672/ajc.1668","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.47672/ajc.1668","url":null,"abstract":"Purpose: The purpose of the study was to examine the influence of socio-cultural practice features and portrayal of women in the choice of cosmetic products in Lagos Nigeria. Materials and Methods: The study examined social practice features and portrayal of women in choice of cosmetic products in Lagos Nigeria using a mixed method design. The study adopted purposive sampling because this study was only to investigate cosmetic product advertisements and involved only women. The data were collected from seven advertisements of popularly used cosmetic products from company websites and transcribed to ease the process of analysis. They were then analyzed based on Fairclough’s three-dimensional framework of Critical Discourse Analysis. Data for the quantitative aspect data was collected using a questionnaire based on Likert-type scale questions ranging from 1-5 to capture the variables and analysed using descriptive statistics such as mean and standard deviation and inferential statistics as correlation analysis and regression analysis through SPSS and presented in tables. Findings: The findings indicate that socio-cultural practice features significantly predicted portrayal of women in the choice of cosmetic products as the result shows direct positive of social-cultural practice. Most of the portrayal of women tend to persuade the women on a certain form of beauty despite the Nigerian culture. As a result, many people believe what the advertisement says and choose to see themselves in the light of these advertisements. This is part of the effect on social change created by advertisements in the society. Thus, advertisers tend to change the way society views beauty by creating a new beauty ideology and a new standard of beauty derived from what their advertisement says. Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study was guided by CDA and the Magic of Meaning theory. Results show that there is a statistically significant relationship between the influence of socio-cultural practice features and the portrayal of women in the choice of cosmetic products. Using CDA, this indicates some social wrongs in the advertisements including the issue of self- esteem in women thereby eroding confidence of the consumers; the demand for women to continually look attractive through these products and compulsive impulse to buy these products. Issues of self-esteem in women are raised thus, cosmetic companies should learn to advertise their products with less manipulative words that will be more societally acceptable. Also, further research is recommended since advertising has an essential role in society.","PeriodicalId":103346,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Communication","volume":"43 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-11-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139205968","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Purpose: This study sought to determine if students at colleges of education in northern Nigeria had developed the psychomotor skills required to recognize fake news (i.e., picture news, video news, and written social media/blog/website news). Methodology: This paper adopted a quasi-experimental (one group post-test only) design. A sample size of 384 was drawn from a population of 28,050 students across six randomly selected colleges of education situated in northern Nigeria for the academic year 2020–2022. The participants were selected through a mixed-methods sample (cluster and purposive). A cluster sample was used to group students into different geopolitical zones and schools (faculty), and then, the researchers selected members (64 participants) from each college using a purposive sample. Data were collected with the aid of a questionnaire, presented on tables, and analyzed using the descriptive statistic. Findings: The study found that Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) students in northern colleges lack psychomotor capability to verify fake news either through a manual or automatic method. The findings showed that only 23.7% of participants verified a picture without a background, 21.9% of participants were able to verify picture with background, 16.7% of participants verified video news, and 27.9% of participants verified written blog/website/ social media news. Unique contribution to policy: The study observed a lack of psychomotor capability in verifying fake news among NCE students in the selected colleges of education. Therefore, the authors urged curriculum planners, educators, and other stakeholders to design more practical skills, especially in the area of detecting fake news on traditional and social media, in light of the study's findings.
{"title":"Impact of Media and Information Literacy in Nigerian Colleges of Education Curriculum: A Case of Detecting Fake News","authors":"M. J. Nasir, A. Ciroma","doi":"10.47672/ajc.1385","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.47672/ajc.1385","url":null,"abstract":"Purpose: This study sought to determine if students at colleges of education in northern Nigeria had developed the psychomotor skills required to recognize fake news (i.e., picture news, video news, and written social media/blog/website news).\u0000Methodology: This paper adopted a quasi-experimental (one group post-test only) design. A sample size of 384 was drawn from a population of 28,050 students across six randomly selected colleges of education situated in northern Nigeria for the academic year 2020–2022. The participants were selected through a mixed-methods sample (cluster and purposive). A cluster sample was used to group students into different geopolitical zones and schools (faculty), and then, the researchers selected members (64 participants) from each college using a purposive sample. Data were collected with the aid of a questionnaire, presented on tables, and analyzed using the descriptive statistic. \u0000Findings: The study found that Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) students in northern colleges lack psychomotor capability to verify fake news either through a manual or automatic method. The findings showed that only 23.7% of participants verified a picture without a background, 21.9% of participants were able to verify picture with background, 16.7% of participants verified video news, and 27.9% of participants verified written blog/website/ social media news.\u0000Unique contribution to policy: The study observed a lack of psychomotor capability in verifying fake news among NCE students in the selected colleges of education. Therefore, the authors urged curriculum planners, educators, and other stakeholders to design more practical skills, especially in the area of detecting fake news on traditional and social media, in light of the study's findings.","PeriodicalId":103346,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Communication","volume":"52 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-03-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"122280141","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
V. Ndungu, Hellen Mberia, Kyalo wa Ngula, J. Othieno
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to establish the influence of communication participants on adoption of Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP) Vaccine among Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL) pastoralists in Kenya. Methodology: The study population was pastoralists in Narok South Sub-county. Sample size was 468 respondents inclusive of qualitative and quantitative samples where 440 responded to questionnaire, 24 in focus group discussions, and 4 in key informant interviews. Cross-sectional research design entailing collection of qualitative and quantitative data was used to assess association between variables. Multi stage, purposive, simple random, systematic and stratified sampling techniques were then employed to come up with respondents. Data derived from 468 respondents was analyzed using statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) version 20.0 and presented using regression coefficients and ANOVA. Findings: All respondents engaged in discussions with others before vaccinating cattle against CBPP. This is because as members of social groups, they interacted with each other through networks, a dominant mechanism for diffusion. Within parameters of experts, veterinary officers and agro-veterinary sales people were influential. In the community, family and neighbours were equally influential and among peers were elders and herders. These influencers were effective because of their attributes and social qualities; trustworthiness and credibility, accessibility, knowledgeability, government authority, advised on many issues, related easily with others and were friendly. Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: Some people have influence over others in CBPP vaccine adoption among ASAL pastoralists. Governments, veterinary researchers, and communication experts need to leverage on them to encourage diffuse of the vaccine. These influencers could also be trained on some basic aspects of disease reporting, control and eradication.
{"title":"The Influence of Communication Participants on Adoption of Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP) Vaccine among Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL) Pastoralists in Kenya","authors":"V. Ndungu, Hellen Mberia, Kyalo wa Ngula, J. Othieno","doi":"10.47672/ajc.1356","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.47672/ajc.1356","url":null,"abstract":"Purpose: The purpose of this study was to establish the influence of communication participants on adoption of Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP) Vaccine among Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL) pastoralists in Kenya. \u0000Methodology: The study population was pastoralists in Narok South Sub-county. Sample size was 468 respondents inclusive of qualitative and quantitative samples where 440 responded to questionnaire, 24 in focus group discussions, and 4 in key informant interviews. Cross-sectional research design entailing collection of qualitative and quantitative data was used to assess association between variables. Multi stage, purposive, simple random, systematic and stratified sampling techniques were then employed to come up with respondents. Data derived from 468 respondents was analyzed using statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) version 20.0 and presented using regression coefficients and ANOVA. \u0000Findings: All respondents engaged in discussions with others before vaccinating cattle against CBPP. This is because as members of social groups, they interacted with each other through networks, a dominant mechanism for diffusion. Within parameters of experts, veterinary officers and agro-veterinary sales people were influential. In the community, family and neighbours were equally influential and among peers were elders and herders. These influencers were effective because of their attributes and social qualities; trustworthiness and credibility, accessibility, knowledgeability, government authority, advised on many issues, related easily with others and were friendly. \u0000Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: Some people have influence over others in CBPP vaccine adoption among ASAL pastoralists. Governments, veterinary researchers, and communication experts need to leverage on them to encourage diffuse of the vaccine. These influencers could also be trained on some basic aspects of disease reporting, control and eradication.","PeriodicalId":103346,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Communication","volume":"85 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-02-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"115704048","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Purpose: This study sought to determine the effect of the communication mode on employee engagement in technical training institutions in Kenya. Methodology: The study was conducted using survey research design. Study population was all the 3780 trainers in the 102 public technical training institutions in Kenya out of which a sample of 360 respondents was used. Stratified random sampling, random sampling and stratified proportionate random sampling technique design were employed. Data was collected using a questionnaire which had both closed and open- ended (Likert type scale 1-5) questions. Questionnaires were distributed to 360 respondents out of which 322 completed the questionnaires giving a response rate of 89.4%. Cronbach’s alpha was used to test for internal reliability of each variable used in the study. Data analysis was done by use of descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings: Logistic regression coefficients showed that communication mode influenced employee engagement and in a negative way. The effect therefore, was not statistically significant (β=-0.647, p=0.114). This implies that communication mode is not a significant predictor of employee engagement in technical training institutions in Kenya. Recommendations: The study recommends that technical training institutions should endeavor to embrace modern methods of communication. In an increased switch on world, the staff and the students rely on technology as their primary means of communication. Computers, smart phones and tablet devices are ubiquitous. It is imperative for technical training institutions to stop over relying on traditional methods such as notice boards, meetings and paper based newsletters like in the past years.
{"title":"Mode of Communication and Employee Engagement in Technical Training Institutions in Kenya","authors":"M. Ngugi, Hellen Mberia, K. Ngula","doi":"10.47672/ajc.1322","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.47672/ajc.1322","url":null,"abstract":"Purpose: This study sought to determine the effect of the communication mode on employee engagement in technical training institutions in Kenya. \u0000Methodology: The study was conducted using survey research design. Study population was all the 3780 trainers in the 102 public technical training institutions in Kenya out of which a sample of 360 respondents was used. Stratified random sampling, random sampling and stratified proportionate random sampling technique design were employed. Data was collected using a questionnaire which had both closed and open- ended (Likert type scale 1-5) questions. Questionnaires were distributed to 360 respondents out of which 322 completed the questionnaires giving a response rate of 89.4%. Cronbach’s alpha was used to test for internal reliability of each variable used in the study. Data analysis was done by use of descriptive and inferential statistics. \u0000Findings: Logistic regression coefficients showed that communication mode influenced employee engagement and in a negative way. The effect therefore, was not statistically significant (β=-0.647, p=0.114). This implies that communication mode is not a significant predictor of employee engagement in technical training institutions in Kenya. \u0000Recommendations: The study recommends that technical training institutions should endeavor to embrace modern methods of communication. In an increased switch on world, the staff and the students rely on technology as their primary means of communication. Computers, smart phones and tablet devices are ubiquitous. It is imperative for technical training institutions to stop over relying on traditional methods such as notice boards, meetings and paper based newsletters like in the past years.","PeriodicalId":103346,"journal":{"name":"American Journal of Communication","volume":"39 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-01-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"133022774","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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