Purdue University Graduate School
Browse
Breneman FINAL SUBMISSION thesis.pdf (546.31 kB)

MANAGING THE CLIMATE CHANGE CRISIS: EXAMINING THE FRAMING OF ONLINE ENVIRONMENTAL COMMUNICATION OF NONRENEWABLE ENERGY COMPANIES FROM AN ISSUES MANAGEMENT PERSPECTIVE

Download (546.31 kB)
thesis
posted on 2020-05-04, 19:53 authored by Mackenzie N BrenemanMackenzie N Breneman

The purpose of this study was to qualitatively examine how nonrenewable energy companies frame and manage the issue of climate change in their online communication, specifically sustainability reports. The issue cycle framework was applied through a rhetorical analysis to determine where coal and oil/gas companies place climate change in the issue cycle and subsequently manage the issue. Coal companies were determined to place climate change in lower stages of the issue cycle while oil/gas companies placed the issue later in the issue cycle. The issues management strategies of these companies also aligned with where they placed climate change in the issue cycle. This study then sought to understand the differences between the approaches of coal and oil/gas companies by examining factors such as financial standing, business models, and each industry’s publics.

History

Degree Type

  • Master of Arts

Department

  • Communication

Campus location

  • West Lafayette

Advisor/Supervisor/Committee Chair

Diana Zulli

Additional Committee Member 2

Joshua Boyd

Additional Committee Member 3

Hwanseok Song

Usage metrics

    Licence

    Exports

    RefWorks
    BibTeX
    Ref. manager
    Endnote
    DataCite
    NLM
    DC