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THE DEVELOPMENT OF A DIAGNOSTIC PROCESS FOR STUDENT VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATION COMMUNICATION
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to create a diagnostic process to describe communication within the unique context of student volunteer organizations. A three-part conceptual model was developed to explain communication in volunteer organizations, including the components of information availability, communication structure, and member involvement in organizational communication processes. This model formed the basis for instrument development. The ICA Communication Audit provided the model for a multiple-measures process, which was titled the Student Organization Communication Diagnosis. With the help of a Panel of Experts, the Student Organization Communication Questionnaire was developed. It was administered to student organization members, and factor analysis suggested that the components of the conceptual model were basically upheld in the instrument. Three factors were identified, named organizational and communication involvement, participatory and democratic structure, and information availability. Post hoc analysis of results suggested the possibility of a fourth component to describe communication in volunteer organizations, that of friendship and social relations. This component should be considered in future study. Tests of reliability and validity were conducted, and results suggested that the instrument has acceptable internal consistency, and that two of three factors, organizational and communication involvement, and information availability, show statistical significance in their ability to discriminate between groups of organizations identified as effective and as ineffective. Analysis of respondents' evaluations of the questionnaire provided support for the importance of three needs--time, cost, and perceived relevance--which were identified as particularly significant for a volunteer organization diagnostic process, and which were also determined as major constraints in the ICA Audit for use in volunteer organizations. Two additional methods, an interview schedule and a critical incident process, were developed. All instruments, instructions, and a results record were organized into the multiple-measures package, entitled the Student Organization Communication Diagnosis. This process is now ready for further refinement, and ultimately should be used in studying the untapped area of communication in volunteer organizations.
Subject Area
Communication
Recommended Citation
BOATMAN, SARA JANE ADAMS, "THE DEVELOPMENT OF A DIAGNOSTIC PROCESS FOR STUDENT VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATION COMMUNICATION" (1985). ETD collection for University of Nebraska-Lincoln. AAI8526586.
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/dissertations/AAI8526586