Date of Award

6-17-2014

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Specialization

Communication and Leadership

School or Department

School of Leadership Studies

First Advisor

Dr. Michael Hazel

Second Advisor

Dr. Carolyn Cunningham

Third Advisor

Dr. Nobuya Inagaki

Abstract

The Pennsylvania State University (PSU) has generated billions of dollars from collegiate licensing of products and corporate sponsorship due largely to the success of their football program. Therefore, significant economic consequences exist if the PSU brand sustains damage to its image and reputation. This thesis examines events and communication among key actors at PSU who had knowledge of allegations, or who were directly involved with the investigation of Jerry Sandusky, the former PSU football defensive coordinator, for improper sexual contact with minors dating back as far as 1998. Two reports published following independent investigations of this incident provide detailed accounts of this communication and testimony of individuals directly involved. Significant discussions and debate have followed the management and structuring of decisions related to this scandal. Sensemaking theory expanded by Weick (1988) and several critical scholarly perspectives on hegemonic cultures provide the theoretical framework for this study. A thorough examination of these concepts is provided in the literature review. Because research relied heavily upon the examination of historical events, a qualitative research methodology was utilized. Ultimately, this study wishes to contribute to crisis communication research in two areas. First, it examines the structuring of decisions by key stakeholders during a specific scandal to determine if this process was devoid of sensemaking. And second, it explores the impact of centralized leadership upon the decision-making process. After an exploratory interpretive analysis of the PSU sex abuse scandal, the findings reveal sensemaking collapsed due to the existence and dependence upon centralized leadership at the institution.

Comments

All rights reserved.

Download

Share

COinS