Communication axioms

Some years ago I met emeritus professor Osmo Wiio, the first professor in our field at the University of Helsinki. He talked about the communication laws that he published in 1980 in a book. He gave me the idea to write my own laws. Wiio’s laws show his great sense of humour, and this would be hard to imitate, but I have now attempted to make communication axioms that we will gradually backup by research in this direction. The axioms show my approach to communication by organizations.
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1.             In postmodern society communication occurs in dynamic networks.

2.             In networked communication organizations have lost dominant voice and need to more actively monitor changing contexts.

3.             Many actors compete for attention in market and issues arenas.

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4.             Online communication creates an abundance of data and opinions, but communication is often  only seemingly two-sided and true dialogue is lacking in the social media.

5.             Individuals tend to connect with those they share interests with, which further fragments audiences and creates polarisation in society.

6.             Interactions are difficult to predict but may gain resonance fast and have global consequences.
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7.             Communication professionals need to develop smart strategies to exchange views in an open public debate and negotiate sustainable and inclusive solutions for wicked problems.

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This modern list of statements may inspire to, along these lines, together further develop the field. And if, after all of this, you would like to enjoy (re)reading Wiio’s laws, here are some links: Communication usually fails & A commentary
Marita Vos

The tragedy in Norway

In the middle of this summer of 2011, on July 22th, we were shaken by the terrible news of the Norway attacks, the bomb in Oslo and the shootings on a nearby island. Our thoughts were with the many victims of the tragedy and their families. Because we do research contributing to crisis management and crisis communication, we also wondered what could be done to prevent such matters from happening, minimise damage and help victims in such a tragedy.

Our team of OCPR also had personal reasons to be worried about the bomb in Oslo, as one of our doctoral students has an office nearby. Luckily he sent word that he was okay and not in the vicinity at that time. This doctoral student happens to focus on crisis communication in the case of terrorism and followed all the news carefully. Then we made contact with a member of the international expert panel for our projects working for the Norwegian Ministry of the Interior. He told us he had been on holiday but that the bomb had killed some of his colleagues.

We will not lightly forget what has happened. Was the violence aimed at mass media attention? This should never be a means to an end. It is the definition of terrorism, killing innocent citizens to create fear, chaos and attention. Our team feels even more resolved to contribute, in our research and education, to crisis communication and resilience of communities. In January we will start with two new international research projects, one on community approach in crisis management and another on terrorism-related crisis communication.

Marita Vos

Coproduction

OCPR is about communication management, and its core is interaction and building bridges. Organizations need open channels to exchange information with many different stakeholders about products and services but also points of view.

The field has developed much in the last decade and many may wonder who is ahead of the other: the academics researching new trends or, perhaps more likely, the communication experts in practice. I am convinced that new knowledge needs to be developed in cooperation.

OCPR will be most successful when based on a coproduction that involves staff, students and graduates. We can share experience and inspire each other. Our discipline is promising but not yet strong or big enough to maintain a clear identity and position without each others’ help.

Why would OCPR be a coproduction? It is good for graduates that employee organisations understand what the added value of communication is. It is good for the staff to be well connected. And it is good for students to hear experience of graduates.

Let us embrace this idea of a coproduction and enjoy the connections. Isn’t that anyway what our field is about: connectedness,

Marita Vos

Change

Change is in the air. Don’t you feel it? The snow is about to disappear and a new Spring and Summer will come. And also a congress, as 23-24 September we host the international Euprera congress in Jyväskylä. You also can be part of it. You are welcome both days or just Friday when alumni are especially invited.

In the last years the student association Comix has changed its name into Imago. And the staff also has a number of new names. I’m one of these new names, that came to Jyväskylä 3,5 years ago. I had two wishes when I came here. First, creating research projects that strengthen the group. Second, creating stronger ties of the staff with students and alumni. Of course such matters only work when undertaken together.

The first wish was granted when we got a research project about Crisis Communication that provides inspiration for 2 doctoral students and several master students writing a thesis about it. It strengthens our relations with public organizations. We also started a research project about Innovation that is good for business connections.

The second wish is not yet accomplished, but we are on the way. This blog is part of the renewed website of Yhteisoviestintä. The website supports our relations with students and graduates. Much comes together in this virtual space, you see information by the staff, and statements of graduates and students. We can do much when we cooperate.

Yes, change is in the air, and let’s see where it will bring us.
I hope for many inspiring meetings and moments,

Marita Vos