In the currently strong U.S. economy, voluntary turnover continues to affect organizations and individuals in important ways. This study examines two sets of contributors to turnover intent that have not received much attention in the organizational communication literature: various indicators of communication and multiple targets of identification. A modified version of the International Communication Association Communication Audit survey and interviews were used to collect data at a state government agency. Results indicate that among the communication variables, supervisor and coworker relationships have the strongest association with intent to leave. The findings also reveal a rather complex relationship between three different types of identification (with division, agency, and state government) and intent to leave.

No abstract

Organizational wrongdoing is frequently exposed by whistle-blowers, individuals who disclose unethical behavior to parties they believe can take corrective action. This study aimed to illuminate whistle-blowers’ experiences with particular attention to how their industry and organizational contexts affected their cases. We analyzed personal accounts of thirteen whistle-blowers in the collegiate sports industry. Results revealed three themes that significantly affected whistle-blowing accounts: the existence and influence of tightly coupled stakeholders, including the athletic governing body and news media; the hypermasculine character of collegiate sports; and the presence of highly identified fans as agents of retaliation. Implications of the study include the recognition and consequences of nonorganizational members as agents of retaliation and the importance of analyzing context when considering whistle-blowing experiences both inside and outside of collegiate sport.

No abstract

No abstract

Relationships with organizational stakeholders are especially problematic for nonprofits in times of planned change. Implementers of change initiatives must negotiate demands for their time and attention as well as attend to severe resource constraints. Interviews with nonprofit administrators are used as the basis for the development of six models of implementation communication adopted by nonprofit implementers in interacting with various stakeholder groups. The data are also used as a basis for theorizing about two communicative dimensions of the task situation—communication efficiency and consensus building—which may be used to predict implementers’ choices of approach to their communication with stakeholders.

Parents of middle school–aged children face a true dilemma as they consider whether to allow their children to play tackle football. The sport is cited as one that fosters a number of intangible benefits but is increasingly mentioned as dangerous for youth participants. This study employed a sensemaking theory framework to explore the family, community, and media dynamics that influence how parents made sense of their football decisions. We interviewed 12 married couples about their decisions allowing their child to play middle school football. Results indicate parents were affected by family identities, community and social influences, and information sources in their football decisions. We developed a typology describing three parental approaches to the football decision: the football-first family, the safety-first family, and the laissez-faire family. We drew connections between family type, decision agency, and risk assessment for the pro-football decision. To conclude, we offer theoretical and practical implications related to this key parental decision.

No abstract