Date of Award

6-24-2014

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. Heather Crandall

Abstract

Many social issues that confront communities can be addressed effectively by community service coalitions. This thesis examines the communication events within these coalitions to determine how communication is a vehicle for the effective operation of community coalitions. This thesis examines the theories of relational dialectics and dialogism in relation to communication perspectives among members of community coalition groups. A selfadministered survey was created as well as focused interview questions for community leaders. Initially, a case study of the Nehemiah Group explored successful dialectics management for coalition goals. Community coalition is defined here as members of the local community who come together to share perspectives on local issues, who agree to work together to bring about beneficial changes that enhance community life. The results of the case study, survey and interviews were descriptively analyzed and interpreted for consensus and general themes regarding the communication approaches and functioning of service coalitions. Results indicate a somewhat strong understanding that acceptance of diversity within service coalition communication events impacts the maintenance and outcomes of community service coalitions.

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