The Communicative Construction of Involuntary Membership. Issue 2 (15th March 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Peterson, Brittany L.; McNamee, Lacy G.
• Is Part Of: Communication quarterly. Volume 65:Issue 2(2017)
• Page Start: 192
• Page End: 213
• Publication Date: 2017-03-15
• Subjects: Membership Negotiation -- Organizational Identification -- Organizational Power and Control -- Structuration Theory -- Total Institutions; Communication -- Periodicals; 302.205
• DOI: 10.1080/01463373.2016.1216870
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0146-3373

Abstract

Abstract : This study expands conceptions of organizational membership by examining individuals whose relationships with their organizations are traditionally characterized as involuntary in nature. Data from inmates and prison employees in four U.S. and Norwegian correctional institutions was examined using structuration theory as an emergent interpretive lens, and five primary ways in which involuntary membership is constructed in communication are identified: physical environment, mobility, relationships, engagement, and body. These facets are presented as the foundation of a continuum-based theoretical perspective on (in)voluntary membership and are discussed for their applicability to future research and theorizing across organizational communication studies.