Political Communication - Essay Example

?Political Communication The notion of political communication has been regarded as a fresh and thrilling field of study which is perceived to be situated at the juncture of the learning related to political parties, electoral behaviour and communication. This particular study would intend to identify the imperativeness of the existence of an effectual procedure in political communication for the reason of developing and managing the global reputation of a country such as Bahrain, which is currently witnessing political unrest. According to the obtained findings, politics and the environment of a country are believed to be directly related. A superior political communication procedure would thus help to maintain a politically stable environment within the country which would further augment its reputation in the international forefront. Table of Contents Abstract 2 Introduction 4 Findings & Analysis 5 Conclusion 27 References 28 Introduction Political communication is known to be concerned with dissemination, consequences of the flow of information, production and procession with the help of media forms as well as interpersonally with respect to political context. This particular process of political communication is learnt to function in a downward way from the central institutions in the direction of the citizens towards developing parallel connections in between the political actors. The process also engages an upward flow when the opinion of the general public gets communicated towards the authorities. The political communication processes essentially concentrates on the way the messages are produced by the political players such as the interest groups and parties. This process also involves the way the messages or rather the information gets conveyed with the help of both direct as well as indirect channels (Norris, 2004). Therefore, it can be deciphered from the above explanation of the concept that political communication is considered to be quite imperative in the modern world. An effective and positive political communication or message regarding a particular country would thus help to represent the current as well as the future steadiness of that country which can further enhance its international reputation as well (McNair, 2011). Findings & Analysis Question 1 The initial question of the survey aimed at determining the significance and importance of an effective political communication system with respect to the worldwide community in relation to Bahrain’s global reputation. It was found in this regard that majority of the individuals, i.e. nearly 53% found this particular aspect to be extremely important (refer to figure 1). The majority of the respondents believed in the fact of keeping up a strong procedure and system of political communication with the global community for the reason of managing the international reputation of Bahrain. Although, the other 40% of the respondents did not consider this factor to be extremely significant, even though identifying this notion to be quite an important factor (refer to figure 1). However, the remaining 7% of the respondents merely regarded this notion to be important to a limit and did not find it necessary to focus much attention (refer to figure 1). Another significant aspect that came into light was that none of the respondents did completely disregard this specific stated idea. This implies that most of the respondents believed in the above stated fact. The graphical representation of this fact can be observed below: Figure 1 The above response obtained from the question evidently relates to the fact of considering political communication to be immensely important as well as quite critical for a particular country to build and enhance its global reputation (Umland, 1999). Question 2 Political communication has already been considered to be a vital aspect for developing and managing the reputation of a country. This particular question of the survey made efforts to identify the gaps that are supposed to exist in the manner the political communications are dealt with in Bahrain. 53.3% of the respondents believed that few of the information that gets communicated politically are assumed to be partially true (refer to figure 2). 23.3% of the respondents in this regard stated that all the information generated in the process of political communication was considered to be untrue or rather misleading (refer to figure 2). 40% of the individuals displayed their opinion regarding the fact that the generated information was increasingly subjected to opinion rather than any portrayal of facts (refer to figure 2). Majority of the respondents, i.e. around 76.7% stated that the information was not issued at the appropriate time which turned to be quite a significant gap with regard to the process of political communication (refer to figure 2). The similar percentage of respondents, i.e. 76.7%, also agreed to the fact that the information proves to be insufficient in answering the queries of the general public (refer to figure 2). 46.7% of the respondents considered the generated political information to be discriminatory (refer to figure 2). Furthermore, 53.3% of the respondents also supposed that the information provided was inadequate in nature as it lacked in encompassing all the facts as well as concerned individuals (refer to figure 2). The graphic representation of the above stated information can be noted as below: Figure 2 The insufficient nature of the information which fails in addressing the queries or issues of the general public which substantiates the ineffectiveness of such a system. It was stated in this regard that democracy was believed to be the foundation of an effectual system of political communication owing to which the needs of the citizens to communicate regarding different issues requires to be identified and facilitated (McNamara, 2010). In order to ensure a successful procedure of political communication, needs to be pursued which would engage communication for the reason of negotiating with publics, promotion of mutual comprehension along with respect among the public and the organisation and for resolving conflicts (Gruing and Hunt, 1984). Previously, in the study, a few reasons were identified which had an adverse effect on the functioning of the political communication system which has been found to be supported by the respondents in the survey as well (Blumer and Gurevitch, 1995). Question 3 The third question intended to gain an understanding about the viewpoint of the individuals or rather the citizens regarding the degree of professionalism in terms of political communications pattern pursued by the government-owned organisations in Bahrain. Majority of the respondents found the professionalism level to be moderate whereas, 41.4% of the respondents believed it to be quite low (refer to figure 3). Few of the respondents, i.e. 10.3% of the individuals assumed the level of professionalism of political communication in Bahrain to be quite high (refer to figure 3). Figure 3 The above results of the survey indicate that the professionalism level of political communication in Bahrain was perceived to range from being moderate to low. The degree of professionalism needs to be raised in this concern with the assistance of the role of media as well as the citizens which would further ensure an effectual political communication procedure in the country. Enhancing the degree of professionalism would also make certain that the government organisations are playing their role effectively in communicating the appropriate information (Blumer and Gurevitch, 1995). Question 4 The results obtained with respect to the fourth question indicates that the professionalism level with regard to political communications, as issued by the political civil societies of Bahrain was once more perceived to be medium, with 51.7% of the respondents agreeing to the fact (refer to figure 4). 41.4% regarded it to be low while a minimum of 6.9% of the individuals considered it to be high (refer to figure 4). Figure 4 The above information states that Superior degree of professionalism is desired in the political communication process of the civil societies as it additionally makes certain of the effectiveness of the process (Dalghren, 2005; Umland, 1999). Question 5 This question intended to ascertain the viewpoint regarding the professionalism level of the political communication issued by the journalists of Bahrain. The obtained results indicate that 51.7% of the total respondents perceived the level to be medium; whereas,48.3% of the individuals considered it to be low (refer to figure 5). It needs to be mentioned in this regard that none of the respondents regarded the professionalism level to be high which could prove to be a major drawback for the system. Figure 5 As already mentioned above, democracy is believed to be the founding support with regard to an effectual system of political communication and thus in order to make it further efficient as well as competent, a proper level of professionalism requires to be maintained by the journalists as well as the political organisations (Umland, 1999). The gaps, which have been identified to be adversely affecting the procedure of political communication, include the professionalism level of journalists to be one of the causes for the creation of such a gap in the process (Blumer and Gurevitch, 1995). In this concern, it has been considered to be quite important for the people to be adequately educated for the reason of deciphering the proper connotation of the information generated through the process of political communication. This aspect is also considered to be beneficial for the reason of augmenting the degree of professionalism amid the journalists along with making them increasingly responsible in their communication process (Zetter, 2008). Question 6 This question aimed at ascertaining the degree or extent of political communications that is supposed to be issued by the Ministry of Information of Bahrain. On this behalf, 50% of the individuals acknowledged the fact that the level of political communication with respect to the Ministry of Information of Bahrain was medium (refer to figure 6). 46.4% considered the level to be low and just 3.6% of the respondents thought of it to be high (refer to figure 6). Figure 6 It is worth mentioning in this context that the political communication system in a country needs to be effective for the reason of maintaining its reputation in the global arena. The political communication systems require serving the citizens of the countries in a commendable manner to enjoy a superior reputation (Stayner, 2007). Therefore, considering the above depicted findings, the level of political communications issued by the Ministry of Information of Bahrain needs to be enhanced by a significant extent. Question 7 The professionalism level of the political communications issued by the Civil Society Organisations of Bahrain was also assessed in accordance with question 7. 44.8% of the individuals measured the level to be medium, 51.7% stated it to be low while only 3.4% of the respondents considered the professionalism level to be high in the sector (refer to figure 7). Figure 7 Question 8 This question of the survey was aimed to find out the viewpoint perceived by the respondents regarding the effectiveness of the political communications issued by the government-controlled organisations of Bahrain on the whole in reaching out to its every individual citizen. It was observed in this context that 56.7% of the respondents believed the system to be effective till a certain extent. 26.7% of the individuals believed it to be ineffective, while 13.3% assumed it to be only effective and only 3.3% of the respondents believed the system to be highly ineffective (refer to figure 8). Figure 8 It can be well inferred from the results that the effectiveness of the political communication issued by the government organisations of Bahrain in reaching out to all its citizens needs to be improved. The aspect of an effectual system of political communication capable of properly reaching out to its respective citizens is considered to be necessary as the manner in which it reaches out to the citizens tend to create a positive manipulation with regard to their views (McNamara, 2010). Question 9 The perspective towards the effectiveness of the political communications issued by the government organisations of Bahrain was intended to be assessed in manipulating the citizens of Bahrain in a positive manner. 50% of the respondents believed the political communications system to be effective to a certain extent. In the similar context, 30% believed it to be ineffective and 13.3% of the respondents believed it to be highly effective. However, a percentage of 6.7 believed the political communications system to be moderately effective (refer to figure 9). Figure 9 The above results indicate that the political communication system is considered to be effective to quite some extent but it needs to be improved further. This would help in comprehending the requirements of the citizens regarding various issues which would effectually ensure a stable political environment in the country rewarding it a superior reputation in the international forefront (McNamara, 2010; Umland, 1999). Question 10 This question of the survey intended to identify the reasons for which the employment of media communications was perceived to be necessarily made by the government of Bahrain. 705 of the respondents, i.e. the citizens, believed that media was essential for the reason of promoting mutual understanding and respect amid the government and the public. 36.7% of the citizens recognised the requirement of media for resolving conflicts with the public. However, 23.3% complied with the engagement of media owing to the purpose of negotiating with the public and 20% did not identify the need for the engagement of media for any of the stated reasons in the questionnaire (refer to figure 10). Figure 10 It has been previously identified in the study with reference to the above context that media plays an imperative role in the process of political communications as it is believed to act as an editorial guide in the process. It has also been identified to act as a moderator as well as that of a watchdog. The rising prominence of television as a means of communication has already been mentioned by Blumer and Gurevitch (1995). It also needs to be mentioned in this context that the recent writers identified the means of internet to be amongst the fundamental form of media (Dahlgren 2005; Stanyer 2007; McNamara 2010). Question 11 The objective of eleventh question was to recognise the level to which internet can allow the public for articulating the opinion regarding governmental policies. About 44.8% respondents strongly agreed and 20.07% respondents agreed with the fact that internet can empower the public for expressing the opinion of governmental policies. Approximately 31% respondents were observed as biased in this context. The percentage of respondents who disagree with the fact of eleventh question was only 3.4%. The following figure shows the reaction of respondents on eleventh question: Figure 11: Responses on question 11 From the analysis of eleventh question it can be stated that internet has vast importance for political communication. McNamara in his book “The 21st century Media Revolution: Emergent Communication Practice” has also depicted that internet is the mainstay for maintaining international communication. Thus, this platform can be used effectively for maintaining international political status of Bahrain (McNamara, 2010). Question 12 The twelfth question was formed in order to recognise the most responsible persons for maintaining communication with the public. Remarkable responses have been found where 79.3% had agreed that politicians are the most important persons for maintaining good communication with the public where 69% respondents have depicted that it is the responsibility of journalists to maintain good communication with the public. About 3.4% respondents were neutral in the fact that it is the responsibility of politician for maintaining good communication with the public and approximately 6.9% of respondents was agreed to a certain extent that journalists has the responsibility to develop communication with the public. The following figure shows the reaction of respondents on twelfth question: Figure 12: Responses on question 12 From the literature review it has been observed that communication is significant for any nation to maintain good status amid the public. In this context, politicians and journalists both play their unique contributory functions for preserving an efficient political communication system in a nation. However, data suggests that politicians are more responsible than the journalists to communicate effectively with the citizens of a country. Question 13 The thirteenth question was designed to apprehend the importance of political communication for expressing respect to the public in a democratic society. In this context, majority of respondents (about 72.4%) strongly supported that political communication is vital for expressing the sense of respect within the public. About 13.8% respondents also agreed with the similar fact. However, the rest 13.8% respondents had depicted a biased response towards this question. The following figure shows the outcome of thirteenth question: Figure 13: Responses on Question 13 With respect to the findings obtained from literature review, the outcome of thirteenth question proves the similar fact that political communication is vital for expressing respect to the public. Grunig and Hunt had also depicted that the core of democracy is effective political communication, as people must be learned about the aspects of the country which can help to generate mutual understanding between the government and the public of a nation (Grunig and Hunt, 1984). Question 14 The fourteenth question was formed to view the level of the political communication in terms that it must extend in order to reach to large number of people within a short span of time and higher efficiency. 60% of respondents strongly agreed and 20% of respondents agreed that the political communication must spread to all kind of media which in turn could reach to the vast audience population. The remaining 20% respondents were biased in this context. The following figure depicts the reaction of respondents on fourteenth question: Figure 14: Responses on question 14 From the analysis of finding of fourteenth question it can be stated that media is of large use for maintaining political communication. Blumler and Gurevitch had further depicted that media act as an editorial guide for people and thus politicians need to provide information through vast utilisation of media. Question 15 The fifteenth question was formed for understanding the importance of lobbying system in order to assist in better governance. The responses depicts that almost 60% of respondents strong agree with the fact that good lobbying system is required for delivering effective governance. Almost 26.7% respondents have also agreed with the similar fact. However, people who have shown unbiased behaviour to the fifteenth question were almost 13.3%. The following figure describes the results of fifteenth question: Figure 15: Responses on question 15 The analysis of the above findings depict that effective lobbing system plays a vital role towards providing efficient governance facilities to the public. In the literature review, Zetter has also depicted the similar statement that lobbyists are advantageous for people in democratic country as they support different interest groups who are impacted by the activities of politicians. Lobbyists, assisted by politicians can further develop effective communication with the public hence; simplify better governance in a country (Zetter, 2008). Question 16 The sixteenth question was asked to respondents for measuring the extent to which the lobbying system can assist in engaging with grassroots campaigning for social and political issues in Bahrain. In this context, 51.7% of respondents have strongly agreed that lobbying system can assist the media for engaging grassroots campaign for resolving social and political problems in Bahrain. Furthermore, 31% respondents agreed and 17.2% of respondents were neutral with the fact presented in the sixteenth question. The following figure depicts the outcome of sixteenth question: Figure 16: Outcome of question 16 The above findings depicts that good lobbying system is vital for resolving the social and political matters in Bahrain. According to Zetter (2008), lobbying system is vital for notifying public about the policy program of government. Lobbying system also help for involving in grassroots campaigns which is vital for policy preparation in Bahrain. Question 17 The seventeenth question was an open ended question formed to take the opinion of respondents about improving the effectiveness of political communication in Bahrain. Mixed responses have been found for the eighteenth question. The respondents have depicted that significant level of transparency is required within society and the governmental structure as well in order to maintain authenticity about governmental operations. Besides, respondents have also raised the issue of education for improving the effectiveness of political communication in Bahrain. In this regards, the findings obtained suggest that in Bahrain the negative emotions within society is the outcome of poor education which restrict critical evaluation of governmental activities. Respondents have also recommended that in order to educate the people, government needs to engage with effective communication with public. The respondents also recommended the requirement of well-organised communication authority in Bahrain which can conduct multilingual communication with the public and media. Organising media campaigns before any significant governmental activities are also recommended by respondents as a part of ensuring effectiveness in political communication in Bahrain. Question 18 The eighteenth question was also an open-ended question formed with the intention of understanding opinion of respondents towards the role of ‘Public Relation’ (PR) function in the public sector in Bahrain. According to the responses obtained, developing unified strategies is vital for better communication in PR divisions of governmental segments. Besides, the skills of PR divisions must be developed with respect to interact with the public. The PR functions also need to be provided with greater authority for better coordination with public. On the reaction of eighteenth question, respondents have underlined the importance of transparency in each file of ministry so that the PR division can demonstrate the latest development of governmental activities to the public. Apart from high concentration toward different media channels, government also needs accumulating adequate budget and developing effectual planning for PR activities. Conclusion The need and importance of an effective system of political communication in a particular country such as Bahrain could be lucidly identified from the discussion made above. Political communication is believed to shape the political culture which is further observed to comprise broadly shared essential beliefs which engages political consequences. The facet of political communication is declared to ascertain and structure the manner in which the society as well as the individuals would act in response of political information. The information generated in the process of political communication has been stated to form a significant impact on the perceived view of the citizens of a particular country. It is worth mentioning that the existence of an effective system of political communication helps in shaping the political culture of a country by a large extent. A proper system of political communication aids a country to develop as well as enhance the international reputation of Bahrain. Political communication is believed to engage the pattern of exchanges that is supposed to take place between the political systems and the existing forms of media at a local, national as well as international level. However, the aspect of political communication has been found to encompass quite some imperative factors. The factors entail the political substance in relation to the media, the various actors as well as agencies engaged in the generation of such content along with the influence on media by the political system and vice versa. Therefore, it has been deciphered from the evaluation of the results obtained through the survey that an effectual system of political communication would certainly help to manage the global reputation of Bahrain in light of the recent political unrest. References McNair, B., 2011. An Introduction to Political Communication. Taylor & Francis. Norris, P., 2004. Political Communications. The Encyclopedia of the Social Sciences, pp. 1-22. Blumler, J. G. & Gurevitch, M., 1995. The Crisis of Public Communication. Routeledge. Dahlgren, P., 2005. The Internet, Public Spheres, and Political Communication: Dispersion and Deliberation. Political Communication, Vol. 22, No. 2, pp. 1478 – 162 Grunig, J. & Hunt, T., 1984. Managing Public Relations. Holt Rinehart and Winston. McNamara, J., 2010. The 21st Century Media (R)evolution: Emergent Communication Practice. Peter Lang. Stanyer, J., 2007. Modern Political Communication: Mediated Politics in Uncertain Times. Polity Press. Umland, A., 1999. Review Article: Grass-Roots of Russia’s Second Revolution. Journal of Government Studies and Transition Politics, Vol. 15, No. 3, p. 114 – 120. Zetter, L., 2008. Lobbying: The Art of Political Persuasion. Harriman House Ltd. Read More