Monday, July 1, 2013
To Blog or Not to Blog
It seems as though I only think about blogging when it comes up in an assignment. I truly believe blogs are a great source of inspiration and a great way to follow people and topics. What I find difficult is making the time to contribute to the blogging community. Do I write for me, or do I write with the intention of connecting with other people. And, with my hectic schedule, what do I "give up" in order to make posts or read others' blogs?
Because I am a lifelong learner, and this is a communication tool used for my second learning journey, I know that it could be used effectively as a learning tool...especially if it is required! The potential disadvantage is gaining user-adoption so it will be utilized after the class...
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Motivational Persuasion toward Commitment
With green political theory and influential social marketing techniques as my service mission, the commitment-consistency theory applies most to my career aspirations and what I seek from my graduate school experience. Professors Vaidyanathan and Aggarwal (2005) describe how using the commitment-consistency theory, coupled with other important elements, influence consumer choices (p. 232). Their study’s findings can be best stated by two of their confirmed hypotheses:
Hypothesis 1—“Making a small, active commitment to an environmental cause results in a greater willingness to buy a product that advertises a donation to that cause” (p. 236).
Hypothesis 3—“Making an active commitment to an environmental cause results in a greater willingness to buy a product that donates to such a cause only if the donation does not entail an additional cost to the customer” (p. 238).
To effectively persuade people to make a commitment to ecological sustainability, the commitment-consistency theory suggests that the first goal of a strategy is to get consumers to make a small commitment to the cause (p. 232). The consistency portion of the theory suggests that people tend to want to remain consistent in their behaviors and, therefore, are likely to support future requests (p. 235). Even though the participants in the study said they were committed to action and support of a cause, they were only willing to exert contribution if that donation came at the expense of the company. In other words, their actions did not match up with their vocalized beliefs (hypothesis 3). I agree with their hypotheses and their results concur with these assumptions. By understanding and applying these concepts, I can reach targeted audiences more effectively and improve my professional communication skills.
I define persuasion as a form of social influential communication that is intended to invoke a certain behavioral or ideological shift in thinking or behavior. I believe that the art of persuasion is to convince and ultimately inspire actuation toward progressing the cause or movement. The most significant concept I learned is to apply cause-related marketing techniques to persuade adoption. One way to increase adopters of the Ecocity is to have them support other “environment enhancing” products and services and continue to participate in environmental activism (p. 232).
Understanding various theories of persuasion is needed to be an effective and influential leader in the 21st century. Many techniques that influence individualistic countries do not serve as motivators for collectivistic cultures. For example, persuading a behavior change in someone from Japan may start with influencing an opinion leader in the family, while influencing peers or socially similar individuals may be the tactics for someone in the United States. The motivators of persuasion differ greatly based on cultural frames of reference.
Vaidyanathan, R. & Aggarwal, P. (2005). Using commitments to drive consistency: Enhancing the effectiveness of cause-related marketing communications. Journal of Marketing Communications, 11(4), 231-246.
Hypothesis 1—“Making a small, active commitment to an environmental cause results in a greater willingness to buy a product that advertises a donation to that cause” (p. 236).
Hypothesis 3—“Making an active commitment to an environmental cause results in a greater willingness to buy a product that donates to such a cause only if the donation does not entail an additional cost to the customer” (p. 238).
To effectively persuade people to make a commitment to ecological sustainability, the commitment-consistency theory suggests that the first goal of a strategy is to get consumers to make a small commitment to the cause (p. 232). The consistency portion of the theory suggests that people tend to want to remain consistent in their behaviors and, therefore, are likely to support future requests (p. 235). Even though the participants in the study said they were committed to action and support of a cause, they were only willing to exert contribution if that donation came at the expense of the company. In other words, their actions did not match up with their vocalized beliefs (hypothesis 3). I agree with their hypotheses and their results concur with these assumptions. By understanding and applying these concepts, I can reach targeted audiences more effectively and improve my professional communication skills.
I define persuasion as a form of social influential communication that is intended to invoke a certain behavioral or ideological shift in thinking or behavior. I believe that the art of persuasion is to convince and ultimately inspire actuation toward progressing the cause or movement. The most significant concept I learned is to apply cause-related marketing techniques to persuade adoption. One way to increase adopters of the Ecocity is to have them support other “environment enhancing” products and services and continue to participate in environmental activism (p. 232).
Understanding various theories of persuasion is needed to be an effective and influential leader in the 21st century. Many techniques that influence individualistic countries do not serve as motivators for collectivistic cultures. For example, persuading a behavior change in someone from Japan may start with influencing an opinion leader in the family, while influencing peers or socially similar individuals may be the tactics for someone in the United States. The motivators of persuasion differ greatly based on cultural frames of reference.
Vaidyanathan, R. & Aggarwal, P. (2005). Using commitments to drive consistency: Enhancing the effectiveness of cause-related marketing communications. Journal of Marketing Communications, 11(4), 231-246.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Maslow's Motivators
Because of my interest in positively influencing behavior change toward our relationship with the natural world, motivation is a paramount factor I need to understand in the Ecocity adoption process. I define motivation as the inherent or inspired ability to invoke a desirable behavior that is altruistically beneficial to self and others. I concur with motivation scholars Shah and Shah that, “The concept of motivation is situational and its level varies between different individuals and at different times” (p. 2).
Even though Maslow’s work has not produced much statistical research for its basis, it has spawned heuristic research. Most all of the articles in this week’s assigned readings address theories of motivation that are based on elements of Maslow’s hierarchy. This is the most important concept I gained from the readings, as it demonstrates that a good theory should inspire others to “think outside the box” and build upon/reform established research to come up with new and exciting ways to view the world.
Because of my desire to become a social marketer, Maslow’s theory is the most influential in my thinking and current setting. Authors Shah and Shah remind us that, “. . . if you want to motivate someone, you need to understand what level of hierarchy that person is on and focus on satisfying those needs. . .” (p. 9). This thought runs parallel with my desire to study cultures to fit the needs of potential adopters.
One element I would change is the way Maslow operationalizes the term “hierarchy.” Because I am a systems thinker, I do not completely agree with the ideal of “prepotency.” According to Gawel (1997) Maslow, “. . . theorized that a person could not recognize or pursue the next higher need in the hierarchy until her or his currently recognized need was substantially or completely satisfied" (Maslow's hierarchy of needs section, para. 1). I see motivation from unfulfilled needs as important, but I also know that one can shift between needs without necessarily “fulfilling” the needs of a previous rung. All of the needs—physiological, safety, social, esteem, self-actualization—are all important elements to our cultural survival and important in our civil system.
Communication scholar Kiel (1999) offers a modernization of Maslow’s hierarchy that I completely agree with. She suggests that,” . . . in today's world, a closed triangle is not a valid representation. Instead, an open, wide faced structure is needed to better reflect that self actualization is never ending" (p. 1). I intend to apply this outlook as positive self-fulfilling prophecy for improving my communication, leadership, and motivational skills in the contemporary business world. If we were cultivated to be “limitless,” how far could be go? I believe all levels of the hierarchy need to be offered in an exceptional workplace, but the possibility for endless self-actualization, as long as it is for the good of society and the business, should warrant the most profitability. I believe all leaders should understand this to become successful motivators in the 21st century.
Another element necessary to become an effective leader is to understand cultural diversity. When motivating others from global or multi-cultural organizations, the notion of “self-actualization” must be looked at through a cultural lens. According to NetNBA, self-actualized people possess qualities such as wisdom, truth, and justice and these characteristics are defined differently to by diverse cultures (2007). Forcing others to pursue goals that are not significant in their lives can become an ethical consideration.
As with most theories, modernization is needed to ensure that the theories are relevant to current situations and times.
Gawel, J. (1997). Herzberg's theory of motivation and Maslow's hierarchy of needs.
Practical Assessment, Research & Evaluation, 5(11). Retrieved June 4, 2007, from http://pareonline.net/getvn.asp?v=5&n=11
Hamilton, Cheryl (2008). Communicating for results: A guide for business and
professions. (8th). Belmont: CA: Wadsworth
Kiel, M. (1999). Reshaping Maslow's hierarchy of needs to reflect today's educational
and managerial philosophies. Journal of Instructional Psychology, 26(3), 167-168.
NetMBA. (2007). Maslow's hierarchy of needs. Retrieved February 28, 2009, from
http://www.netmba.com/mgmt/ob/motivation/maslow/
Shah, K. & Shah, P. (2008.) Motivation. Retrieved February 28, 2009, from
http://www.laynetworks.com/Motivation.htm
Even though Maslow’s work has not produced much statistical research for its basis, it has spawned heuristic research. Most all of the articles in this week’s assigned readings address theories of motivation that are based on elements of Maslow’s hierarchy. This is the most important concept I gained from the readings, as it demonstrates that a good theory should inspire others to “think outside the box” and build upon/reform established research to come up with new and exciting ways to view the world.
Because of my desire to become a social marketer, Maslow’s theory is the most influential in my thinking and current setting. Authors Shah and Shah remind us that, “. . . if you want to motivate someone, you need to understand what level of hierarchy that person is on and focus on satisfying those needs. . .” (p. 9). This thought runs parallel with my desire to study cultures to fit the needs of potential adopters.
One element I would change is the way Maslow operationalizes the term “hierarchy.” Because I am a systems thinker, I do not completely agree with the ideal of “prepotency.” According to Gawel (1997) Maslow, “. . . theorized that a person could not recognize or pursue the next higher need in the hierarchy until her or his currently recognized need was substantially or completely satisfied" (Maslow's hierarchy of needs section, para. 1). I see motivation from unfulfilled needs as important, but I also know that one can shift between needs without necessarily “fulfilling” the needs of a previous rung. All of the needs—physiological, safety, social, esteem, self-actualization—are all important elements to our cultural survival and important in our civil system.
Communication scholar Kiel (1999) offers a modernization of Maslow’s hierarchy that I completely agree with. She suggests that,” . . . in today's world, a closed triangle is not a valid representation. Instead, an open, wide faced structure is needed to better reflect that self actualization is never ending" (p. 1). I intend to apply this outlook as positive self-fulfilling prophecy for improving my communication, leadership, and motivational skills in the contemporary business world. If we were cultivated to be “limitless,” how far could be go? I believe all levels of the hierarchy need to be offered in an exceptional workplace, but the possibility for endless self-actualization, as long as it is for the good of society and the business, should warrant the most profitability. I believe all leaders should understand this to become successful motivators in the 21st century.
Another element necessary to become an effective leader is to understand cultural diversity. When motivating others from global or multi-cultural organizations, the notion of “self-actualization” must be looked at through a cultural lens. According to NetNBA, self-actualized people possess qualities such as wisdom, truth, and justice and these characteristics are defined differently to by diverse cultures (2007). Forcing others to pursue goals that are not significant in their lives can become an ethical consideration.
As with most theories, modernization is needed to ensure that the theories are relevant to current situations and times.
Gawel, J. (1997). Herzberg's theory of motivation and Maslow's hierarchy of needs.
Practical Assessment, Research & Evaluation, 5(11). Retrieved June 4, 2007, from http://pareonline.net/getvn.asp?v=5&n=11
Hamilton, Cheryl (2008). Communicating for results: A guide for business and
professions. (8th). Belmont: CA: Wadsworth
Kiel, M. (1999). Reshaping Maslow's hierarchy of needs to reflect today's educational
and managerial philosophies. Journal of Instructional Psychology, 26(3), 167-168.
NetMBA. (2007). Maslow's hierarchy of needs. Retrieved February 28, 2009, from
http://www.netmba.com/mgmt/ob/motivation/maslow/
Shah, K. & Shah, P. (2008.) Motivation. Retrieved February 28, 2009, from
http://www.laynetworks.com/Motivation.htm
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Mediated Communication — Dialogical Possibilities
Because I intend to become a social marketer, with an emphasis on activism and diffusion, I am extremely interested in mediated communication as a way of reaching a critical mass of adopters. What elements create an effective mediated communication environment? How can I evaluate and apply efficient mediated communication design techniques to increase social marketing outreach via use of Internet resources?
Researchers Taylor, Kent, and White (2001) conducted a study on how activist organizations use mediated communication to build dialogical relationships with targeted publics through their websites (p. 263). The scholars discuss the importance of dialogue in public relations theory and emphasize the significance of fostering two-way interaction with website strategies. The study determined five major website dialogic principles that build relationships between the activist organizations and their publics.
Since the article was published in 2001, many new social media outlets have been added to the mediated communication world. I would definitely update the study to investigate what other techniques, networks, and tools can be used to increase the dialogic relationship between activist organizations and their publics via social media outlets. Employing these new communication tools and strategies could increase communication efficacy and establish interpersonal relationships with organizations and their members.
Because the Internet is a global network, cultural literacy plays an integral part of mediated communication. Organizations must consider cultural diversity as an overt organizational competence. In order to persuade people to become active with a particular cause, the website content must be inclusive to the global village by studying targeted publics' cultural influences and practices. This will ensure the organization is "listening" to the needs of its audience.
Learning these dialogical principles has increased my intrapersonal knowledge of effective marketing Internet strategies and relationship building website elements. I plan to incorporate this research methodology for evaluating content effectiveness as a skill I offer potential employers.
Taylor, M., Kent, M. L., & White, W. J. (2001). How activist organizations are using the Internet to build relationships. Public Relations Review, 27(3), 263-285.
Researchers Taylor, Kent, and White (2001) conducted a study on how activist organizations use mediated communication to build dialogical relationships with targeted publics through their websites (p. 263). The scholars discuss the importance of dialogue in public relations theory and emphasize the significance of fostering two-way interaction with website strategies. The study determined five major website dialogic principles that build relationships between the activist organizations and their publics.
- Ease of Interface - visitors should be able to navigate the site effectively and efficiently (user-friendliness). The home page should be clearly visible/recognizable, and a search engine box makes finding specific information easier (p. 267).
- Usefulness of Information - members and/or visitors should find, "statements on the philosophy and mission of the organization; details on how to become affiliated with the organizations; information about how to contribute money to the organizations; links to relevant political leaders making it easy for interested individuals to express their opinions on issues; and the creation of memorable organizational loops and icons to create a sense of identification for members and visitors" (p. 268).
- Conservation of Visitors - unlike for-profit organizations, social activist organizations provide links to other "like-minded" organizations to establish a positive ethos and maintain the interconnectedness to the larger cause of social change. Elements that influence the conservation of visitors include short loading time, frequently updated information, and the availability of key information on the home page (p. 271).
- Generation of Return Visits - activist organizations want people to remain proactive in their cause and mission by continuous visits to the site. Elements that influence repeat visits include a "bookmark now" link, calendar of events, downloadable information, FAQs and Q&As, and current news postings (p. 268).
- Dialogical Loop - incorporating interactivity is the only way to foster communication between the user and the organization. According to the authors, dialogic loops are incorporated by, "opportunities for visitors to send messages to the organization; opportunities of individuals to vote on issues; the option to request regular information updates; and the option for visitors to fill out surveys identifying priorities and expressing opinions on issues" (p. 269).
Since the article was published in 2001, many new social media outlets have been added to the mediated communication world. I would definitely update the study to investigate what other techniques, networks, and tools can be used to increase the dialogic relationship between activist organizations and their publics via social media outlets. Employing these new communication tools and strategies could increase communication efficacy and establish interpersonal relationships with organizations and their members.
Because the Internet is a global network, cultural literacy plays an integral part of mediated communication. Organizations must consider cultural diversity as an overt organizational competence. In order to persuade people to become active with a particular cause, the website content must be inclusive to the global village by studying targeted publics' cultural influences and practices. This will ensure the organization is "listening" to the needs of its audience.
Learning these dialogical principles has increased my intrapersonal knowledge of effective marketing Internet strategies and relationship building website elements. I plan to incorporate this research methodology for evaluating content effectiveness as a skill I offer potential employers.
Taylor, M., Kent, M. L., & White, W. J. (2001). How activist organizations are using the Internet to build relationships. Public Relations Review, 27(3), 263-285.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Cause for/of concern?
One area of my life that I work hard to actively participate in is environmental awareness education. I am studying a theorist that lives in California, and his work has really cemented what I want to do with my life's energy. I want to become a social marketer and help diffuse the "ecocity" innovation. (No matter what my field or position, I will always approach marketing from a broad-based sustainability lens.) Environmental issues are so interconnected that we could never begin to discuss one without touching the other. The ecocity addresses every single ecological issue and demonstrates how we can give hope to our children's futures today by "building cities in balance with nature."
www.ecocitybuilders.org
Environmental degradation poses extreme consequences to all people in all cultures around the world. No matter if one believes that humans play any role in this degradation, or to the extent of that role, the environmental issues we face as a global community are here.
Have we created a culture of convenience that is at the expense of the natural world and its life-sustaining properties? How we treat, or mistreat, nature is a direct reflection of what we value as a culture. Does my lifestyle match my intentions to leave a small footprint? That is the subjective question I have been making progress toward answering in the last few years while striving to ensure my idealized Self matches my realized Self. I know some people do not believe humans play any role in our evolution as a species. But what if we can reduce our ecological footprint and maintain the integrity of the system of life - even for a moment? Isn't it worth a try?
www.myfootprint.org
Broad-based sustainability and biodiversity conservation are at the top of my list. The way I ensure that I am living an authentic life is by how I rear my child. We are reducers first and strive to have recycling be our last resort - zero waste. We are vermiculturists - we compost with earthworms and present to preschools about the benefits of nature's decomposers. Extreme? I think to err on the side of exploitation and degradation is extreme.
Please share your thoughts/questions/comments with me. Even if I see the world differently than you do, I look forward to growing through your perspective. I want to know what you think and what lens you use to view the world.
"In the end, we will conserve only what we love. We will love only what we understand. We will understand only what we have been taught." Baba Dioum
www.ecocitybuilders.org
Environmental degradation poses extreme consequences to all people in all cultures around the world. No matter if one believes that humans play any role in this degradation, or to the extent of that role, the environmental issues we face as a global community are here.
Have we created a culture of convenience that is at the expense of the natural world and its life-sustaining properties? How we treat, or mistreat, nature is a direct reflection of what we value as a culture. Does my lifestyle match my intentions to leave a small footprint? That is the subjective question I have been making progress toward answering in the last few years while striving to ensure my idealized Self matches my realized Self. I know some people do not believe humans play any role in our evolution as a species. But what if we can reduce our ecological footprint and maintain the integrity of the system of life - even for a moment? Isn't it worth a try?
www.myfootprint.org
Broad-based sustainability and biodiversity conservation are at the top of my list. The way I ensure that I am living an authentic life is by how I rear my child. We are reducers first and strive to have recycling be our last resort - zero waste. We are vermiculturists - we compost with earthworms and present to preschools about the benefits of nature's decomposers. Extreme? I think to err on the side of exploitation and degradation is extreme.
Please share your thoughts/questions/comments with me. Even if I see the world differently than you do, I look forward to growing through your perspective. I want to know what you think and what lens you use to view the world.
"In the end, we will conserve only what we love. We will love only what we understand. We will understand only what we have been taught." Baba Dioum
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