FICS Theses and Dissertations
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Theses and dissertations by graduate students from the Faculty of Information and Communication Studies.
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ItemThriving in a Multicultural Workplace: Intercultural Communication Apprehension Among Professional Engineers and Architects in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia( 2024-08-27)The constantly evolving world through innovations and developments has diversified the society where people belong to. As more people travel to places, communication is made faster, and advancing technology that bridges gaps makes interconnectivity among humans more prevalent. These connectivity, mobility, and diversity resulted in increased intercultural contacts, as well as the increase of intercultural communication apprehension, which could hinder effectiveness and efficiency of individuals in multicultural organizations. Previous studies indicate that communication apprehension affects at least 30 to 40 percent of the general population with high degrees affecting individuals at least once in their lifetime. There have been studies measuring the communication apprehension in intercultural contexts however this is yet to be documented among professional engineers and architects in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, which this study aimed at filling this gap. This study explored the intercultural communication apprehension of professional engineers and architects living and working in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Specifically, it determined the respondent’s profile, their intercultural apprehension level and their perceived factors causing this apprehension. The data were collected through an internet survey and made use of descriptive and correlational analysis. A total of 187 respondents participated in the survey. Results indicated that professional engineers and architects have generally lower intercultural communication apprehension. Demographic variables such as age, gender, education level, years of experience and occupation were compared and analyzed. It was found that education level is inversely associated with intercultural communication apprehension. Certain factors such as their intercultural awareness, language fluency, and cultural behavior have caused this phenomenon. Hofstede's cultural dimensions of individualism/collectivism, power distance, uncertainty avoidance, and masculinity/femininity through the national culture index of Saudia Arabia were used to provide behavioral interpretation of the results. The findings provided insights to professional organizations and multinational companies to offer programs and interventions to harness cultural understanding among working professionals. Keywords: intercultural communication apprehension, professional engineers & architects, intercultural awareness, language fluency, cultural behavior
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ItemA CSR Practitioner's Communication Practices in Engaging the Local Community in Watershed Conservation: An Autoethnography( 2024-09-20)This study aimed to answer the following questions: What are the CSR practitioner's communication practices in engaging the local community in watershed conservation and what are the underlying views and assumptions of the communication practices? By positioning himself as the primary subject, the researcher employed autoethnography to deeply explore his interactions and communication practices used to engage a local community. Autoethnography as a research framework and methodology not only allows for an in-depth and reflective examination of his personal experiences but also provides a rich, nuanced understanding of the complexities involved in community engagement. The research methodology included gathering and review of the CSR practitioner's personal journals during the implementation of the project from 2022-2023, as well as a thorough review of related literature. Thematic analysis was employed to identify and explore recurring themes and provide insights into the patterns of his engagement with the local community. His journals were classified into two vignettes which included his communication practices when in project implementation and when the community is in conflict. The findings from this study can inform more effective CSR communication practices and contribute to the growing body of research on the role of communication in fostering successful community engagement and partnerships in sustainability initiatives.
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ItemThe Changing Nature of Community Media: A Case Study of Digital Shift Among Selected Publications in the Province of Cavite, Philippines( 2024-05-22)Using a case study approach, this master thesis conducted in-depth interviews with the heads or editors-in-chief of five (5) publications in the province of Cavite. With ethical considerations in mind, the interview yielded meaningful narratives that shed light on how community media continues to adapt in a digital environment. The researcher used an interview guide, a coding sheet, and thematic analysis to explore the "then" and "now" of the selected papers, which underwent a digitization process. Essentially, themes surfaced and were employed to elucidate how community media is adjusting in terms of ownership, manpower, financial resources, production process, and distribution. In accordance with the analysis, the research revealed that the ownership has not changed since then as most of the publications are still reliant on government support while the other one thrives as a private-owned newspaper. In terms of adaptability, a lot of them were forced to decrease their manpower since in their case, they needed to decrease their size. Others, however, found it to be a struggle since some of them had to shoulder the responsibility of content creation all by themselves. Additionally, the study clarified how these publications' production altered as a result of reduced delays brought on by time flexibility and the introduction of technology, which made it easier for them to obtain their sources and presented a chance for innovation. Furthermore, their packaging is still ethically upright despite modifications, particularly when it comes to using human sources. They are making an extra effort to be social media responsible because they are now navigating online. Maintaining the paper digitally requires a certain level of familiarity to maintain not only the effective dissemination of information but also the development of integrity and harmony with their community. As a result, community media continues to stand firm and, despite maintaining its distinctive nature in the digital age, the stories drawn from each case demonstrated that these local newspapers continue to adhere to the ideals and standards of civic journalism. Therefore, these local newspapers and newsletters are co-existing to raise awareness on issues concerned and highlight realities in the hopes of seeing people fulfill their potential to advance as individuals and eventually create an informed society.
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ItemLolo and Lola vs. Fraud: The Case of Senior Citizens of Pagsanjan, Laguna Fighting Back Against the ‘Scamdemic’( 2024-11-11)Digital technology continues to evolve, making day-to-day tasks faster and easier. Yet with such rapid evolution has come many risks, as criminals continue to find innovative ways to defraud unwitting victims. This leaves end users at risk, especially senior citizens— a sector especially vulnerable due to scant digital skills. This narrative inquiry looked at how senior citizens in Pagsanjan, Laguna guard against scams, the extent of their knowledge about the risks, and what they believe could help them better discern scam content. This fills a research gap on how Filipino seniors deal with scams and what support they need for better protection. This study examined the experience of six senior citizens, each of whom have had their own brush with fraud, from near misses to actual victimization. It found that the subject seniors have gained self-taught tactics to protect themselves through exposure to news and social media, personal experience, and warnings from reputable organizations and their peers. But while they expressed confidence that they could protect themselves against fraudsters, they believe the elderly need proper support. This could be delivered in two ways: learning sessions mounted by the government with the help of relevant organizations; and peer guidance.
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ItemTausug Orality: An Analysis of Transmission Practices in a Sitio in Indanan, Sulu( 2024)This thesis analyzed the transmission practices of Tausug oral traditions in a sitio located in the municipality of Indanan, Sulu. Using sociocultural constructivism as a research lens and reflexive thematic analysis, the study examined how these traditions are passed down across four generations in the digital age. The goal is to determine whether the informants continue to use traditional methods of oral communication or have adapted to modern communication technologies. In a rapidly changing society, studying the transmission practices of Tausug oral traditions is essential, as these traditions serve as portals to the rich history and repositories of Tausug religion and customs, playing a critical role in cultural preservation. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight residents representing the Silent Generation, Baby Boomers, Generation X, and Millennials. The analysis categorized the types of oral traditions mentioned or narrated, further examined in terms of generational differences, community roles, and gender dynamics in their transmission and preservation. Notably, pandu’ (advice and guidance) and maasalla (proverbs and sayings) remain central to Tausug oral traditions, with religious leaders, fathers, and mothers playing key roles in their transmission. These traditions are typically shared during Islamic gatherings and within households, integrating Islamic teachings and parental guidance. However, there is a noticeable decline in the transmission of more complex forms, such as tarasul (poems) and kissa (narratives). The study also emphasized the growing use of technology, particularly mobile phones and Facebook, in transmitting Tausug oral traditions, with younger generations increasingly embracing these platforms. While older generations are gradually accepting technology, Millennials have fully embraced digital tools to preserve and share these traditions. However, the use of technology in this context raises concerns about authenticity and preservation, as the reliance on digital platforms challenges traditional oral transmission, which historically relies on face-to-face, spoken interaction.