Managing conflict in north-west Kenya: the siege of Loregon and its aftermath

Conflict management in the context of ethnic boundaries and a history of inter-ethnic violence remains a challenge in a range of socio-economic contexts. Conflict management in remote rural areas within developing states where state presence and capacity is relatively weak amidst a background of prolonged and ongoing inter-ethnic violence is particularly challenging. This article examines a case of successful bottom-up efforts to manage conflict at the micro level in northern Kenya. Focusing on the so-called siege of Loregon and its aftermath, this case study describes dynamics on one part of the ‘border’ between Turkana and Pokot ethnic groups, examining the causes and consequences of this violent episode, with a particular focus on recent successes at the local level in managing conflict and as a consequence in reducing the likelihood of future violence in a particular locality, despite ongoing violence in other parts of the interface between Turkana-Pokot ethnic groups.     

Suggesting motion in health communication pictures: The effect of pictorial and extra-pictorial manipulation

Abstract

The static character of pictures often contrasts sharply with the dynamic nature of the message they are meant to convey. Suggesting motion in static pictures is particularly important in communicative contexts in which vital messages and instructions need to be transmitted, for example in the context of health-intervention programmes. Pictures are often the main carriers of health-related messages, for instance when oral or video transmission is not available, or when written information is not accessible because the target group lacks the necessary reading skills. The present study investigates the effect of different design strategies used to suggest motion in static pictures. It compares the suggestive manipulation of iconic pictorial elements (i.e. the suggestive depiction of body parts, bodily expressions and postures) with the use of extra-pictorial (noniconic) devices (such as movement lines or arrows). In study 1, two groups of respondents were presented with one of two versions of the same motion-suggesting pictures: pictures with hands only, and pictures with hands and arrows added. In study 2, an extra group of respondents was exposed to a third version of the same pictures: pictures with arrows only. The results of study 1 reveal that the use of arrows results in a somewhat better recognition of motion and intended motion. However, this effect is small and applies mainly to respondents with relatively higher literacy levels. The results of study 2 show that arrows alone are far less efficient as motion cues than the other two variants. Furthermore, the comments of respondents reveal that arrows are noticed and mentioned far less often as motion cues than body parts or objects involved in the action.     

Mobile communication privacy management in romantic relationships: a dialectical approach

Communication technologies, such as the mobile phone, often represent a double-edged sword in romantic relationships. While the mobile phone can enhance the quality of communication, it can simultaneously become a source of conflict. The dialectic framework of communication privacy management offers a nuanced lens from which to investigate rules for the use of the mobile phone in the dyadic of romantic relationships. This study investigates mobile phone usage rules that are negotiated by adolescents and young adults in romantic relationships. The study specifically focuses on rules around mobile privacy management. Findings from in-depth interviews indicate that the negotiation of rules is a crucial part of young adult relationships. Enhancing trust and fostering harmony were important factors in the rule development process. The implications, limitations, and future possibilities for research are discussed.     

Online crisis communication response: A case study of fraudulent banking transactions in South Africa

Abstract

The emergence and advancement of information technology – specifically the replacement of face-toface services with innovative self-service technology, such as banking transactions on the Internet – is forcing companies to adopt a proactive approach to online crisis communication response, and to combine the management and control of online messages during a crisis. In the financial services industry, deregulation and the rapid growth in technology have removed entry barriers in the online environment, forcing financial institutions to transform from the traditional brick-and-mortar to click-and-mortar service delivery, while at the same time allaying customers’ fears (and the perceived risk) of fraudulent online transactions. Although studies have been conducted on the adoption, use, perceived risk and purchase intention of self-service technology, limited research has examined the knowledge management of an online crisis communication response. Knowledge management, which focuses on the acquisition, transfer and assimilation of information, is one way in which to manage messages effectively before, during and after an online crisis communication response situation. The main aim of this article is to identify and characterise typologies of the management and control of messages in an online crisis communication response, through an interpretative and critical analysis of fraudulent websites, based on the main premises of the knowledge management approach. This is done through a case study approach: the website of one of the top ten banks in South Africa was studied in terms of it dealt with fraudulent banking transactions, specifically from the knowledge management paradigm.