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1 – 3 of 3Peter Winkler, Jannik Kretschmer and Philip Wamprechtsamer
In recent years, the acronym VUCA has gained traction in strategic communication (SC) as an umbrella term that summarizes the recurrent challenges (volatility, uncertainty…
Abstract
Purpose
In recent years, the acronym VUCA has gained traction in strategic communication (SC) as an umbrella term that summarizes the recurrent challenges (volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity) of digital communication environments. However, an integrated reflection on how the VUCA dimensions facilitate a deeper understanding of specific digitalization challenges and how to navigate through these challenges is lacking. This article aims to explore and substantiate the descriptive (how) and prescriptive (how to) potential of VUCA for SC under digitalization conditions.
Design/methodology/approach
We first provide a systematic discussion of the four VUCA dimensions based on the general strategy literature. While their descriptive value is undisputed, prescriptive advice on how to respond to these challenges is contradictory. We substantiate this observation in a second empirical step based on problem-centered interviews with strategic communicators at the agency and corporate levels.
Findings
Our findings reveal that VUCA facilitates a systematic mapping of digitalization challenges consistently identified by professionals. The proposed strategic responses, however, remain contradictory at the theoretical and empirical levels. Hence, we propose the VUCA radar as a comprehensive descriptive and prescriptive framework.
Originality/value
The radar provides (a) a systematic overview of recurrent digitalization challenges to SC at the industry and practice levels and (b) prescriptive advice on how to navigate through these challenges by balancing contradictory strategic responses at the levels of vision, understanding, clarity and agility.
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Mpubane Emanuel Matlala and Thandukwazi Richman Ncube
The study aims to investigate the current electronic records management practices in government departments of South Africa to establish the extent to which they foster service…
Abstract
Purpose
The study aims to investigate the current electronic records management practices in government departments of South Africa to establish the extent to which they foster service delivery in public service reform programmes.
Design/methodology/approach
This study applied a systematic literature review approach to critically appraise the published literature on the status of records management in South Africa, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines.
Findings
The findings indicate that the South African public sector encounters challenges such as a lack of skills in managing electronic records, management support, resources and legislative frameworks and policies. The study’s findings revealed that although electronic records are essential for service delivery in South Africa, the existing records management programme is not efficient and effective and does not sufficiently comply with legislative and statutory requirements.
Research limitations/implications
This study was limited to the public sector of South Africa.
Practical implications
This study recommends the development of policy frameworks and strategies aligned with the organisational goals and facilitation of professional training for all staff, including attendance of seminars, workshops and workplace training.
Social implications
The research demonstrates the need for a comprehensive legislative and policy framework, robust integration of electronic records practices in government e-government efforts, and adequate technological infrastructure support.
Originality/value
This study offers informed recommendations to address the challenges of managing electronic records in South African public sector organisations that continue to be a cause for concern.
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Dimitris Trimithiotis, Iacovos Ioannou, Vasos Vassiliou, Panicos Christou, Stelios Chrysostomou, Erotokritos Erotokritou and Demetris Kaizer
This article explores the synergy between journalism studies and computer science in the context of observing online news. By establishing web applications of online media…
Abstract
Purpose
This article explores the synergy between journalism studies and computer science in the context of observing online news. By establishing web applications of online media observatories as research tools, researchers can employ various analytical approaches to gain valuable insights into online news discourse and production.
Design/methodology/approach
Drawing eight months of data (01.08.2022–30.04.2023) from the Labservatory’s web application, i.e. over 250,000 news items, the article demonstrates how some of this web application’s main functionalities may be useful in implementing (1) news flow analysis, (2) news topic distribution analysis and (3) media discourse analysis.
Findings
The capabilities provided by this web application, (1) to simultaneously analyse the daily news production of ten media outlets with varying features, (2) to rapidly collect a large volume of news items, (3) to identify the news categories as classified by the media themselves, (4) to present the results of the search in relevance order and (5) to automatically generate a search report, highlight the significance of this interdisciplinary collaboration for implementing comprehensive analyses of online news.
Originality/value
The article concludes by emphasising the importance of continuing this joint effort, as it opens new avenues for further research and provides a deeper grasp of the intricate relationship between journalism, technology and society in the digital era. The Labservatory also contributes to society since it may be used by the broader public for immediate access to more pluralistic information and thus for promoting both news media literacy and news media accountability.
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