Infodemics during COVID-19: resources and recommendations to combat it

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Javier Cifuentes-Faura
Keyword(s):  
Peer Review ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Effective Communication ◽  
Fake News ◽  
False Information ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Link Type ◽  
The Media

PurposeThis paper attempts to explain the infodemics that the coronavirus crisis has generated through the dissemination of fake news, which can lead people and institutions to make decisions that end up being counterproductive to their own interests or to the needs of society.Design/methodology/approachThe existing literature in the field of information has been reviewed, as well as the fake news that has been spread during the COVID-19 crisis. Based on this review, a series of guidelines have been drawn up to enable citizens to detect the false information that is being disseminated.FindingsThis paper has established a series of recommendations to be followed by any communicator, journalist or person who creates content and information to promote effective communication during this crisis. It concludes that the role of the media is key in trying to reduce the spread of fake news.Originality/valueThis paper reflects the need to combat fake news originating during the pandemic through effective communication following a series of guidelines.Peer reviewThe peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/OIR-08-2020-0352

The truth (as I see it): philosophical considerations influencing a typology of fake news

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 150-158
Author(s):  
Caitlin Candice Ferreira ◽  
Jeandri Robertson ◽  
Marnell Kirsten
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Creation ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Alternative View ◽  
Extensive Literature ◽  
Fake News ◽  
Power Structures ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Conceptual Paper ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the philosophical considerations of fake news and provide an alternative view to current conceptualizations of its binary nature. Through an evaluation of existing research, a typology of fake news is presented that considers the possibility that the propagation of fake news about a brand, may be stemming from the brand itself, a previously unexplored field in the literature. Design/methodology/approach This is a conceptual paper based on extensive literature review on the fields of fake news and knowledge creation, resulting in the creation of a synthesized typology. Findings The role of power structures greatly influences the ability for a brand to respond to fake news. Externally constructed disinformation is seemingly more difficult for a brand to address, as a result of having limited control over the message. Internally constructed information, while stemming from the brand itself provides the brand with more control, but a greater public distrust as the source of the fake news seems to confirm the disinformation. Practical implications This paper presents a typology that contrasts the source of the construction of disinformation and the extent to which the facts have been fabricated. Furthermore, this paper provides future researchers with an alternate understanding of the conceptualization of fake news. Originality/value This paper is the first of its kind to establish a typology of fake news on the basis of the source of construction of disinformation. The source plays an important role when assessing the associated brand risks and developing an approach to combat potential negative implications.

Fake news and the willingness to share: a schemer schema and confirmatory bias perspective

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 180-187 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kelly Weidner ◽  
Frederik Beuk ◽  
Anjali Bal
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Fake News ◽  
Specific Time ◽  
Confirmatory Bias ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present a theory of how corporations and brands can address the prevalence of fake news. A matrix is proposed to examine how the transparency of the motivation of the communicator disseminating fake news interacts with how well the content of the fake news coincides with a consumer’s previously held bias. Design/methodology/approach A dichotomy is presented examining the role of “Schemer’s Schema” transparency by confirmatory bias. Findings Consumers will react differently to fake news depending on their “schemer schema” and the source of the information, as well as the believability of the story based on already existing beliefs. Research implications/limitations This paper provides readers with a strategy to address the prevalence and reality of fake news. The purpose of this paper is theoretical in nature. While this manuscript lays the foundation for future empirical studies, said studies have not been conducted. Further, given the ever-changing nature of fake news dissemination this manuscript provides a picture at a specific time and place. Practical implications This manuscript provides insights for brand managers who are forced to address fake news. Originality/value This manuscript provides marketers with a strategy to better address fake news for organizations and brand.

scholarly journals Contributing barriers to corporate social and environmental responsibility practices in a developing country

2016 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 319-346 ◽  
Author(s):  
Md Moazzem Hossain ◽  
Manzurul Alam ◽  
Angela Hecimovic ◽  
Mohammad Alamgir Hossain ◽  
Aklema Choudhury Lema
Keyword(s):  
Developing Country ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Environmental Responsibility ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Stakeholder Groups ◽  
Union Leaders ◽  
The Media ◽  
Corporate Social ◽  
Depth Interviews

Purpose The purpose of this study is to explore the contributing barriers to corporate social and environmental responsibility (CSER) practices. In particular, this study focuses on non-managerial stakeholders’ perceptions of the barriers to CSER practices in a developing country context. The study also investigates the current initiatives undertaken by the different stakeholders, such as government, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and regulators. Design/methodology/approach The study takes a qualitative approach, undertaking semi-structured in-depth interviews with 26 participants from NGOs, the media, regulatory authorities, government departments, shareholders, trade union leaders and customers. Findings The views of stakeholder groups were analysed to identify the contributing barriers to CSER practices. The findings of the study reveal that corruption and politics, lack of coordination, lack of government initiatives and unsatisfactory implementation of laws are perceived as the major barriers that hinder CSER practices in Bangladesh. The study also found a lack of awareness amongst various stakeholder groups regarding the influential role CSER plays in promoting sustainable development. The current initiatives undertaken by various stakeholders to improve CSER practices were limited but growing. Research Limitations/implications The study utilises the stakeholder theory to examine the role of stakeholders, rather than managers, in relation to CSER practice in Bangladesh. The findings may provide impetus for mitigating CSER barriers in a developing country context. Originality/value This study is one of the few engagement-based studies to explore the non-managerial stakeholders’ views on CSER in a developing country context.

Understanding HRM philosophy for HPWS and employees' perceptions

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Safa Riaz ◽  
Keith Townsend ◽  
Peter Woods
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Effective Communication ◽  
Negative Influence ◽  
Employee Perceptions ◽  
Employee Outcomes ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Philosophical Foundations

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to understand the role of HRM philosophy for HPWS formulation and implementation, as well as to investigate its role to improve employee perceptions of HPWS.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative study of 55 interviews was conducted with managers (senior, HR, frontline) and employees from three telecommunication organisations based in Pakistan.FindingsThe findings indicate that a clear, well-developed HRM philosophy ensures clarity in HPWS formulation not only for managers, but also for employees. However, lack of strong philosophical foundations for HPWS can result into distorted HRM messages and negative employee perceptions.Originality/valueWhilst there remains debate over the positive and negative influence of HPWS for employee outcomes, this study presents HRM philosophy as important HRM component to understand HPWS implementation. The article highlights the fact that the purpose of HPWS practices and its effective communication to employees can make a substantial difference in how employees perceive these practices. In sum, an employee centred philosophy is likely to be pre-condition circumstances for improving employee outcomes.

scholarly journals Geographies of African corruption

2017 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 20-38 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barney Warf
Keyword(s):  
Economic Growth ◽  
Political Culture ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Bright Spot ◽  
African Continent ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Transparency International ◽  
The Media ◽  
Per Capita

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to study the uneven geographies of corruption on the African continent. Corruption is an entrenched part of African political culture. However, the degree and impacts of corruption vary widely across the continent, ranging from failed states such as Somalia to the region’s bright spot Botswana. This paper first defines corruption and discusses its causes and effects. It then delves into the specifics of African corruption, including its causes and effects such as patrimonial political cultures, clientelism and the role of natural resource exports. Design/methodology/approach The study uses data from Transparency International to assess African corruption empirically and geographically, and links its levels of severity using correlations to gross domestic product per capita, literacy, income inequality and freedom of the media. Findings The major findings are that while the vast majority of the continent’s one billion people live under very corrupt regimes, the impacts of corruption on economic growth are questionable. Few geographic studies of corruption exist. Originality/value The paper’s novelty stems in part from being the first to explore African corruption from a spatial perspective, illustrating its widely varying contexts and consequences.

Bibi and Mr. Prime Minister: do different Facebook identities imply different messages for political leaders?

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gal Yavetz
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Content Analysis ◽  
Political Parties ◽  
Peer Review ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Prime Minister ◽  
Political Agenda ◽  
Political Leaders ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Link Type

PurposeSocial media has been widely adopted by politicians and political parties during elections and routine times and has been discussed before. However, research in the field has so far not addressed how a political leader's private or official social media account affects their message, language and style. The current study examined how Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu uses his private Facebook account, compared to his use of his official Facebook page “Prime Minister of Israel.”Design/methodology/approachIn this study, the author identified the differences between these two digital entities using in-depth content analysis based on all posts (N = 1,484) published on the two pages over a 12-month period between 2018 and 2019.FindingsThe study’s findings indicate that Netanyahu regularly uses his personal page to address topics that are not represented on his official page, such as mentioning and attacking political rivals, presenting political agenda, and criticizing Israeli journalists and media organizations. Netanyahu's private Facebook account is also used to comment on personal events such as the criminal indictments he is facing and family affairs.Originality/valueThe findings highlight the need to investigate the different identities that politicians maintain on social media when they use personal or official accounts, sometimes on the same platform. The medium matters, yet the author also discovered that a leader's choice of account and its title are also important.Peer reviewThe peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/OIR-01-2021-0004.

Planning and communication

2018 ◽  
Vol 34 (6) ◽  
pp. 25-27
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Reading Time ◽  
Middle Management ◽  
Communication Strategies ◽  
Effective Communication ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings Putting strategy into action in manufacturing benefits from detailed planning but also needs effective communication strategies. The role of middle management is crucial. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives, strategists and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

Getting out the truth: the role of libraries in the fight against fake news

2017 ◽  
Vol 45 (2) ◽  
pp. 143-148 ◽  
Author(s):  
Oliver Batchelor
Keyword(s):  
Critical Thinking ◽  
Political System ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
The Political ◽  
Fake News ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Library Professionals

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to inform library professionals on the issues, impact and methods of addressing misinformation in news. Design/methodology/approach This paper discusses the history, scope and impact of fake news and the tools available for correcting misinformation. Findings Fake news and misinformation are widespread and detrimental to democracy. A misinformed electorate undermines the political system. Originality/value The paper does not present original findings, but it presents many useful tools for library professionals to use as a means of promoting critical thinking.

scholarly journals Rule-breaking and legitimacy: a failure of artful navigation?

2015 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 243-262 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lorraine Warren ◽  
Robert Smith
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Ethical Behaviour ◽  
Cautionary Note ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The North ◽  
The Media ◽  
Rule Breaking ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to critically examine the tension between rule-breaking and legitimacy for entrepreneurs, who are expected to challenge and change social or business norms. In doing so, they may be presented as heroes in the media, or alternatively, are cast out as villains with attendant negative press with consequent loss of legitimacy. Design/methodology/approach – Through secondary data methods, the paper analyses the case of Vance Miller, an entrepreneur from the North of England who has achieved economic success amid reports of alleged criminality and poor ethical behaviour. Thus he spans rule-breaking and legitimacy. Findings – The paper illustrates how rule-breaking directed towards demonstrable entrepreneurial achievement does not always result in media legitimacy. Miller’s storyline both chimes with and clashes with the discourse of the enterprise culture, providing a cautionary note for aspirant entrepreneurs. Research limitations/implications – The hero-villain paradox remains relatively unexplored in the media, and thus further qualitative research is required, particularly for aspirant entrepreneurs with controversial or criminal backgrounds. Practical implications – Entrepreneurs should question carefully the extent and potential consequences of rule breaking in regard to legitimacy. Social implications – The paper highlights and indeed questions the role of the media in their representations of entrepreneurship, and challenges the valorisation of rule-breaking behaviour by entrepreneurs. Originality/value – The paper makes a distinctive contribution to the literature by examining the relation between rule-breaking and legitimacy for an entrepreneur who is represented negatively in the media, yet remains successful, counter to the heroic stereotype.

scholarly journals Fake News in the Ukrainian Media Space: Technologies of Experimental Projects

2019 ◽  
pp. 29-37
Author(s):  
Alla Mykolaienko
Keyword(s):  
Media Literacy ◽  
Fake News ◽  
False Information ◽  
Research Organizations ◽  
System Method ◽  
Media Space ◽  
The Media ◽  
Fact Checking ◽  
The Impact

The article considers dissemination of experimental fake messages by research organizations through analysis of media and audience feedback. The objective of the research is to study the main techniques of fake creation on the basis of experimental fakes traced in the Ukrainian information space. The methods used in the article are the following: analysis – to study the state of media landscape as to availability of fake news; the system method – to establish the ways of fake dissemination; the systematization method – to determine fakes’ features and characteristics. The preconditions, reasons and specifics of creation and intentional dissemination of false information in the society are studied in the article. As a result of the research, the role of pilot projects related to fake dissemination as part of popularization of ideas of media literacy and media education has been identified. It is analyzed the impact of experimental fake news on the media and the general public, in particular on dissemination of messages by the users in social networks. Simultaneously the thesis that regional journalists automatically rewrite and repost the Ukrainian mass media is refuted, as we have traced their professional response to dissemination of false information. The verification of facts (fact checking) is mandatory for journalists and necessary for every consumer of information, as making the media responsible for the facts is not an indication of media literacy.

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