Social Developments
Determinants of Corporate Social Responsibility in Kuwait: A Corporate Communications Perspective Uncovering Institutional Factors View Digital Media
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Manaf Bashir
With the global interest in corporate social responsibility (CSR), factors within and beyond a country can contribute to the shaping of CSR discourses. This research investigates the institutional factors influencing CSR in Kuwaiti Islamic and conventional banks as well as telecommunications companies. Utilizing institutional theory and in-depth interviews with 12 corporate communications practitioners, the study found varying, yet minimal, contributions of institutional factors to these organizations’ CSR. Islam did not exert a direct influence in a majority Muslim country like Kuwait but was found to be more of a framework these organizations operate within. Industry sector, peer pressure, the media, NGOs and the local community were also insignificant institutional factors. The environment exerted a mediocre influence due to the global awareness toward the environment rather than the country’s. The implications of the findings suggest the need for a governmental intervention to encourage the private sector to align its CSR with the country’s priorities. Corporate communicators need to strategically manage CSR where research and planning are conducted and local communities, NGOs, and company employees are involved.
Localising Media Convergence: An Appraisal of Oramedia in Nigerian Indigenous Communication View Digital Media
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Chika Euphemia Asogwa
The concept of ‘Oramedia’ is rooted in the use of localised channels of indigenous communication in Africa and by extension, Nigeria. These specialised channels of communication are culturally-inclusive with explicit and implied meanings across different cultures. However, the pervasive nature of modern mass media has raised scholarly questions on possible media convergence between ‘Oramedia’ in indigenous communication and mass media. This study, therefore examines areas of convergences of both media of communication. The study is anchored on the uses-and-gratifications theory. It employs mixed research method of quantitative (survey) and qualitative analysis (interview). The study areas cover Ado-Ekiti (Southwest, Nigeria) and Awka (Southeast, Nigeria). The instrument for data collection for survey is questionnaire while interview guide is for interview. The analyses is carried out statistically (survey) and thematically (interview). Findings suggest areas of convergences between indigenous communication and mass media. Based on the findings, the study will advance viable recommendations that will strengthen the scope of Oramedia in a digitalised society.
Being a Syrian Woman in Türkiye: Representation Behind the Words of Newspapers View Digital Media
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Meri Merve Miettinen
After over a decade of conflict in Syria, more than 14 million Syrians have been forced to flee their homes. Türkiye continues to host the largest number of Syrians; currently, 3.8 million are under temporary protection. Even though they face many situations that do not befit human dignity these processes are not covered much in the media. With immigration that brings different cultures together, negative features are generally attributed to foreigners. Being a woman duplicates the issue through gender and immigrant status. This study claims that Syrian women experience dual otherness and are represented in news reports through objectification. Therefore critical discourse analysis is used to analyze different newspapers selected through their circulation. 301 news reports were collected from Cumhuriyet, Sözcü, Hürriyet, Sabah, and Yeni Şafak newspapers published between 2015-2018. The period is important as it is a transition process of social cohesion. The research claims that representing Syrian women through their fertility rates, becoming second wives (kuma) and detailed descriptions of their death destroys visibility which will cause women to be ignored by society. By comparing the different newspapers my study sheds light on the stereotypes and biases of Syrian women established by discourses.
