[ecrea] CfP - 2015 ICA Preconference on Discussion, Dialogue, Discourse: Meanings and Methods

Call for Papers

2015 ICA Preconference

Discussion, Dialogue, Discourse: Meanings and Methods

Deadline for Extended Abstracts: December 15, 2014



2015 International Communication Association Annual Conference, San 
Juan, Puerto Rico

Thursday, May 21, 2015 – 9:00a.m.-3:00p.m.



Sponsored by the Public Relations and Organizational Communication Divisions



THEME RATIONALE

Discussion, dialogue, and discourse have long been regarded as important 
concepts across a range of communication-related disciplines such as 
public relations, organizational communication, interpersonal 
communication, and strategic management. These concepts are becoming 
even more significant with the increasing use of social media and other 
forms of online communication by organizations and their 
publics/stakeholders/citizens. The online environment has provided a 
unique milieu for the conduct of discussion, dialogue, and discourse, 
but it has also focused attention on the inconsistent use of these 
labels, the significance of the differences between the concepts, and 
the gaps between normative theory and pragmatic action. The focus of 
this preconference therefore will be to invite theoretical and empirical 
contributions that add to the understanding of discussion, dialogue, and 
discourse with particular emphasis on the translation of these concepts 
into the online space.



Guiding questions to be addressed in this preconference may include the 
following:

    * What are the theoretical connections between discussion, 
dialogue, and discourse?
    * How do the concepts of discussion, dialogue, and discourse differ 
across disciplines? What is the significance of the differences to the 
theorizing of the concepts?
    * Are there differences between the normative and empirical 
perspectives on discussion, dialogue, and discourse? What does this mean 
for the development of theory in this area?
    * What sort of data and methodological approaches are most 
appropriate to study discussion, dialogue, and discourse?
    * How do the concepts of discussion, dialogue, and discourse differ 
in different cultures?
    * How are discussion, dialogue, and discourse enacted in 
intercultural contexts?
    * What are the differences among the concepts discussion, dialogue, 
and discourse? How are they being translated to the online environment?
    * How do we define discussion, dialogue, and discourse in online 
communication/social media?
    * Is it possible to have genuine dialogue and discourse online or 
in social media?
    * How can technology be used to enhance discussion, dialogue, and 
discourse?
    * What connections are there – if any – between rhetoric and 
discussion, dialogue, and discourse?



The aim of this preconference is to bring together participants from a 
wide variety of communication-related disciplines including public 
relations, organizational communication, computer-mediated 
communication, new technology, political communication, and others. 
Industry professionals will also benefit from involvement at this 
session, especially those with experience in working in organizational 
social media. We hope that this preconference will be a stimulating and 
engaging session in which ideas can be presented in a supportive but 
robustly-enquiring environment.



Submission and Selection Process

We are looking for submissions that feature the most current research on 
discussion, dialogue, and discourse. The successful abstracts will be 
chosen on the basis of their research rigor and contribution to 
knowledge. Content may include case studies, empirical analyses, and 
theoretical pieces. Practitioner perspectives and cross-disciplinary 
studies will be particularly welcome.

Extended abstracts (up to 500 words) should be submitted by December 15, 
2014 to Uta Russmann via email: (uta.russmann /at/ fh-wien.ac.at).

The organizers – Uta Russmann (FHWien University of Applied Sciences of 
WKW, Vienna, Austria) and Anne Lane (QUT Business School / Queensland 
University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia) ((a.lane /at/ qut.edu.au)) – 
will make decisions on accepted papers by January 15, 2015. Full papers 
will be due in advance of the pre-conference on April 15, 2014.

Authors of accepted abstracts are expected to attend the pre-conference 
and present their paper. Participation fee (including coffee break and 
lunch buffet) is $125 US for presenters and non-presenters.



TIMELINE:

·         Deadline for abstract submission: December 15, 2014

·         Acceptance provided: January 15, 2015

·         Deadline for full paper submissions: April 15, 2015

·         Preconference in San Juan, Puerto Rico: May 21, 2015



DRAFT SCHEDULE

9:00a.m. to 9:15a.m.                      Welcome and introduction

9:15a.m. to 10:30a.m.                     Invited Panel – three 
presentations (confirmed: Carl Botan, George Mason University; Michael 
L. Kent, University of Oklahoma; Karin Wahl-Jorgensen, Cardiff University)

10:30a.m. to 10:50a.m.                Coffee Break (included in 
registration fee)

10:50a.m. to 12:10p.m.                 Four competitive papers

12:10p.m. to 1:10 p.m.                  Lunch (included in registration fee)

1:10p.m. to 2:30p.m.                      Four competitive papers

2:30pm to 3:00pm                            Closing Plenary and 
Discussion: Future Research Directions and Collaborations on Discussion, 
Dialogue, and Discourse



********************************************************************



FH-Prof. Mag. Dr. Uta Russmann

Department of Communication, Marketing & Sales

FHWien University of Applied Sciences of WKW
Währinger Gürtel 97, 1180 Vienna, Austria
Phone: +43 (1) 476 77-5848, Fax: +43 (1) 476 77-5704
(uta.russmann /at/ fh-wien.ac.at)
www.fh-wien.ac.at/kommas






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