Organizational Rhetoric

Why do citizens demand that their political systems be democratic, but tolerate autocratic rule within their organizations? Why do governments spend trillions to aid corporations in spite of intense opposition by the vast majority of their citizens? Why do most people accept cultural myths about economies and organizations in spite of contradictory evidence, while others resist them? This book argues that the answers lie in the power of organizational rhetoric--the strategic use of symbols to manipulate popular opinion and political power. Organizational Rhetoric examines the mythical systems that underlie corporate influence and explains how corporate rhetors use these mythologies to create and sustain preferential public policies and favorable images. Each chapter also examines resistance to these mythologies, and concludes with an illustrative case study. This accessible and engaging book asks readers to think carefully and critically about domination and resistance. Moreover, it engages them in an analysis of how their own practices contribute to underlying structures and ideologies, and how their actions could contribute to change.

Why do citizens demand that their political systems be democratic, but tolerate autocratic rule within their organizations? Why do governments spend trillions to aid corporations in spite of intense opposition by the vast majority of their citizens? Why do most people accept cultural myths about economies and organizations in spite of contradictory evidence, while others resist them? This book argues that the answers lie in the power of organizational rhetoric--the strategic use of symbols to manipulate popular opinion and political power. Organizational Rhetoric examines the mythical systems that underlie corporate influence and explains how corporate rhetors use these mythologies to create and sustain preferential public policies and favorable images. Each chapter also examines resistance to these mythologies, and concludes with an illustrative case study. This accessible and engaging book asks readers to think carefully and critically about domination and resistance. Moreover, it engages them in an analysis of how their own practices contribute to underlying structures and ideologies, and how their actions could contribute to change.

An unprecedented text explains how to analyze the role of rhetoric in organizations Integrating rhetorical theories and methods with principles of organizational communication, this pioneering text provides students with a step-by-step method for analyzing and critiquing examples of organizational rhetoric. The first half of the book offers an accessible introduction to rhetorical research, theory, and criticism and equips students for analyzing the messages of organizations in a variety of contexts. The second half focuses on needs in real-life organizational situations: to create and maintain identity; to manage messages about issues, risk, and crisis; and to communicate with those "inside" the organization. Contemporary examples and case studies (including a dispute over clean energy in Texas, efforts on the part of restaurant owners in New York to fight food labeling requirements, and a university's announcement that it is building a "body farm") illustrate the importance of this area of study and provide opportunities for students to apply their emerging analytical and critical thinking skills. Key Features Grounds the explanation and critique of persuasive organizational messages in traditional and contemporary rhetorical literature Shows students how to critique the messages organizations use to create and maintain organizational power Demonstrates the importance of rhetoric to the success of the organization Uses case studies and accompanying worksheets to help students move through the process of analyzing sample situations and messages Covers image/impression management, issue management, crisis management, and other key facets of organizational rhetoric Includes models of the book's method for analysis at the beginning of each chapter to help students visualize how each step fits into the larger system Intended Audience Organizational Rhetoric: Situations and Strategies is ideal for a wide range of courses at the upper-level undergraduate and master's level, including Organizational Communication, Organizational Studies, Public Relations, and Rhetorical Studies. This first-of-its-kind textbook is also an essential addition to the libraries of Communication/Rhetoric and Business instructors.