Teaching HRD personnel : experiences of computer-mediated communication in differently structured environments

This paper will provide an overview of the CMC structure in two different units of study in the Masters of Professional Education and Training at Deakin University. Each of these structures makes a set of demands on participants, and provides differing collaborative learning opportunities. The paper examines the experiences we have had in each of these structures, focusing on student participation, style of contribution to CMC, and the relationship between socialisation processes and knowledge construction.

A model of superiors and subordinates' aggressive communication in the workplace

In the workplace, superiors and subordinates may engage in a spiral of aggressive communication and emotional reaction that can lead to negative attitudes and unproductive organisational outcomes and higher staff turnover. In the manuscript, we develop and propose a model of superiors' and subordinates' aggressive communication and emotional reactions. In our model we suggest that organisational context (culture) and individual personal characteristics (personality, trust, self-esteem) influence superiors' and subordinates' aggressive communication. We also suggest that individual emotional characteristics (positive/negative affect, emotional intelligence) influence the protagonists' emotional reactions. Finally, we propose that subordinates' emotional reactions and organisational culture influence their attitudes (organisational identity, perception of a masculine vs. feminine organisation) and their considered behaviours (performance, turnover). We conclude with a discussion of potential limitations, and implications for theory, research, and practice.

The potential for improving intra-organizational communication in the process of mergers and acquisitions via accounting systems

As the number of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) continues to increase on a global basis, more managers are called upon to develop their M&A transition skills. While, undoubtedly, organizations realise the importance of good communications for successful implementation of change programs throughout the entire M&A process, they often find it hard to make this communication both constant and lucid. The article argues that accounting systems display the potential for improving intra-organizational communication by infusing managers and 'non-accountants' with a common financial vocabulary for communication and 'reading' the state of the business.

The role of communication in meeting MPA objectives

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) play an important role in conserving the marine environment. An integral part of managing MPAs is communicating to its users and the broader community the existence of the park and its regulations. In two studies looking at the Victorian Marine National Parks and Sanctuaries it was found that there was a low level of awareness of the parks existence [1]. Television news was found in both studies to account for the majority of respondents awareness yet television advertisements were the main media used to inform the community, along with signage at parks and sanctuaries [2].

Education and communication are the main ways that management agencies inform the broader community about the parks and the regulations governing their management. They are generally directed at two main groups: formal education within schools and universities and communication towards the wider community. Communicating to the broader community the existence of an MPA is achieved through signs, brochures, self guided or ranger walks. These are developed by education experts within management agencies. Yet little is known of the public’s level of knowledge about MPAs or the marine environment. Therefore, our research aims to discover the communities existing knowledge of MPAs and the marine environment and how this can help create effective communication strategies. This research focuses on the public who use MPAs and the wider community in Victoria, Queensland and Western Australia.

New activism and communication in Australian risk society : a case study of the Otway Ranges Environment Network

This paper overviews a case study of environmental grassroots activism in Victoria, Australia, between 1995 and 2003. The Otway Ranges Environment Network (OREN) is significant for its successful communication campaign to change forest practices and policy decision-making in the Otway Ranges, and for its intervention in a long-standing and exclusive relationship between government and the timber industry. This paper describes and analyses pivotal parts of the OREN campaign: firstly, the group's strategy to boycott paper and pulp manufacture Kimberly-Clark Australia; and secondly, its decision to participate in the West Victoria Regional Forest Agreement (RFA) process to negotiate the future of Otway forest. Informed by the empirical research and the works of social theorists Ulrich Beck and Jurgen Habermas, this paper outlines a strategic approach to communication that is effective, fair and sustainable, and that can be applied by other non-profits - especially those that operate in politically volatile environments with a grassroots agenda.

Managing stakeholder 'push back', an exploratory investigation into dealing with negative cross cultural communication in a global environment

This paper addresses the issue of a current business phenomenon – ‘push back’. This phenomenon has been experienced by a number of transnational companies. It is embedded in the challenges of cross-cultural communication and involves the linkage of local culture activists with globalisation acitivists in an alliance to stop business growth. This exploratory investigation examines three multinational organisations using qualitative research. From the findings a model has been developed in an attempt to provide practitioners with a framework with which to understand ‘push back’. The complexity of combating alliances of this nature raises challenges for the current approaches to marketing and the need for a multi-stakeholder approach in cross-cultural communication is suggested.

Effectiveness of recording in primary science : a study of the ability of junior primary school pupils to use drawing as an effective method of communication in science lessons

Drawing as a means of recording is a very common practice in junior primary science lessons. This is largely due to the availability of necessary materials. Also, most youg children have some degree of drawing skill and enjoy drawing activities. Since 1956 the science curriculum to be implemented in primary classrooms in Victoria has changed from one that was based largely on nature study (biological) to one that includes physical and technological aspects. Further, there have been changes in the teaching methodologies advocated for use in science lessons. A modified Interactive Teaching Approach was used for the studies. Drawing was the main means by which the children recorded information. The topic of 'shells' was used to enable collection of data about the children's enjoyment of the activity and satisfaction with their achievement. This study was replicated using the topic 'rocks'; again data were collected concerning satisfaction and enjoyment. During a series of lessons on 'snails' data were collected concerning the achievement of 'process' and 'objective' purposes that teachers might have in mind when setting a drawing activity. In addition to providing data about purposes the study stimulated some questions regarding the techniques the children had used in their drawings. Accordingly, data concerning the use of graphic techniques by the children were collected during a series of lessons on 'oils'. The data collected and analysed in the various studies highlighted the value of drawing in junior primary school science lessons. It also validated strategies developed by the author and designed to help teachers and children use drawing effectively in science activities.

Dora Lynnell Wilson (1883-1946) : a life in art

This thesis fills out Wilson's previously unresearched biography and argues for a reassessment of her standing as an important inter-war artist in Melbourne. The role of cultural gatekeepers in building and deconstructing artistic reputation is discussed, with examples of Wilson's art and an inaugural Catalogue of her known works.

An investigation into the origins of the British romantic tradition in art, its subsequent thematic legacy and its influence upon my own work

This study is comprised of a written exegesis and a folio of paintings and drawings. It explores the view that Romanicism in Britain survived its historical period and continues to influence contemporary British artists. Concentrates upon the prominence given by the Romantics to symbols, most commonly located in nature, which express spiritual impulses and ideas related to human destiny and feelings.