| This study examines the linkages between macro (historical and systemic) aspects of various oppressions (racism, sexism, classism, etc.) in two academic student affairs departments and details how they are dialogically perpetuated via tacit, micro communication practices during everyday, organizational life. In particular, this study unearths aspects of the expression and experience of internalized oppression that are misunderstood and inadequately addressed. Using an interpretive framework, organizational members' stories were gathered through individual interviews and supplemented by meeting observations and documents. The methodologies of historical-cultural, case study, Sense-Making analysis and member checking are used to examine the data through a variety of lenses and levels of interaction. Auto ethnographic content is interwoven throughout providing a forthright discussion of the circumstances surrounding the creation, implementation and examination of the research idea.; From a macro perspective, the historical-cultural analysis reveals the centuries and layers of unresolved oppression in the region including the indigenous, Spanish, Anglo and various mixed-heritage communities. The case studies of individual institutions reveal how these unresolved injustices compound institutional classism, affecting the current-day operation of two academic organizations. The Sense-Making analysis reveals the linkages between the taken for granted, macro-communication practices of society and organizations and how they influence and are influenced by the micro-communication tactics of various organizational members. The investigation uncovers and examines the types of intrapersonal, interpersonal, and organizational communication practices that help to undo internalized oppression and oppression and empower individuals, and which do not.; The researcher also argues for the acceptance of the respectful, natural expression of emotion in organizational settings as a precursor to constructing work settings that empower individuals. It is proposed that organizational members can assist each other as they reconstruct their lives using a variety of self-directed, "consciousness-raising" communication practices outlined in the final chapter, becoming more personally and professionally effective in the process. These communication "inventions" for organizations are democratically based and address various issues in organizational life such as conflict resolution, problem solving, performance appraisal and improvement, and program evaluation and planning. These practices help foster supportive relationships with others, also serving to build and sustain a healthy sense of community. |
