Examines systematically 11 years (1979-89) of organizational communication research. Finds that research has focused primarily on three topics: (1) climate and culture; (2) superior-subordinate relations and communications; and (3) power, conflict, and politics. Finds also that the majority of the studies were framed within a modernistic-empirical…

Analyzed organizational politics in student affairs organizations by surveying 179 members of Texas Association of College and University Student Personnel Administrators regarding political strategies and personal characteristics associated with politically effective individuals. Concluded that student affairs administrators acknowledged frequent…

The University of the South Pacific (USP) provides cost-effective higher education to a third of postsecondary students from 12 joint-proprietor Pacific Island countries. As the only regional world-status university, USP fulfills an important function, but that status is threatened by nationalist politics, diminishing international aid, and an…

This column briefly describes the Council for Exceptional Children's Political Action Network (CEC-PAN), its activities, and history. The author, the current president of CEC, recounts her personal experience in serving as PAN coordinator for Arizona and in lobbying members of Congress. (DB)

Analyzes the historical roots of language attitudes in the United States, examining the evolution of current policies on ethnic diversity and bilingual education by focusing on Title VII of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. Identifies problems for the future of bilingual education. (SLD)

Traces the long and varied history of interaction and collective action by African Americans and Latinos, focusing on common culture and political cooperation. Outlines issues related to the continued cooperation of African Americans and Latinos, and common political projects. (SLD)

Defends literary education by describing what is distinctive and central and valuable about the collective enterprise. Offers some negative prescriptions--some important ways not to respond to the challenges facing the profession--and some positive suggestions as well. (SC)

Presents the results of a national survey of political participation with a random sample of 513 social work leaders involved in health policy. Ten conceptually different prototypes of social work political participation were identified, which provide an empirical model that integrates routine functions with political components. Implications of…

Discusses the ongoing debate among politicians and educators over the relative merits of standardized tests and authentic assessment. (JOW)

Argues that Kenneth Burke's insights into hierarchy as a motive within language and his comedic and therapeutic heckling of the twin empires of capitalism and technology provide critical resources that are needed for the recovery of a democracy that is vital and inclusive yet still respects difference. (TB)

Most tributes to the late Barbara Jordan focused on her life in public service, but this appreciation recalls her brilliance as a teacher. The values behind her noted voice lent her speech, as political figure and teacher, its authority. (SLD)

Presents the results of empirical research of media coverage of recent elections in Croatia. Uses qualitative analysis to examine coverage on broadcasts and in weekly and daily newspapers. Concludes that coverage of political parties was uneven. (PA)

Outlines the long history and the dangers of doublespeak--language that misleads, distorts, and deceives. Offers examples of doublespeak in euphemisms, "gobbledygook," and inflated language. Argues that doublespeak is carefully constructed to appear to communicate when its real purpose is to mislead, and notes its relationship to…

Introduces a special issue of this journal on the theme of mandated programs and curriculum. Outlines the increase in imposed instructional practices, particularly for literacy instruction. Discusses the change process and differing processes to it. Argues that teachers who have a clear sense of purpose, one in which students come first, have a…

Delineates two illustrative game-theoretic applications to Philippine politics: (1) People Power Revolution in the mid-1980s and (2) conflict over Spratly Islands in the mid-1990s. Uses zero-sum games to model these two events, and elementary matrix theory to determine pure strategies and locate equilibrium points. Includes recommendations for…