A critical analysis of worldview and culture in business incubation narratives

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Authors
Plesha, Suzanne G.
Advisor
Buckrop, Jacquelyn J.
Issue Date
2005
Keyword
Degree
Thesis (M.A.)
Department
Department of Communication Studies
Other Identifiers
Abstract

This study explored the possible connection between organizational culture and worldview and the narratives professional associations use to sell these perspectives to external audiences. Burke's pentad and ratio analysis were utilized to identify the dominant terms in nineteen narratives featured in a promotional booklet published by the National Business Incubation Association. In eleven of the stories, the "agent" elements were most prevalent in these stories, signaling an idealistic worldview. The remaining eight narratives were agency-dominant and provided an underlying pragmatism to the highly idealistic outlook of the agent-focused stories. In addition to providing a philosophical label for the narrative messages, analyzing the pentad elements gave clues as to this association's value system toward incubation clients and the business incubation industry in general. The implications of this professional association's influence on an emerging industry were also discussed.

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