Kamiri, Agnes W. (2011) Role of Effective Communication in Conflict Resolution: Case Study of Post- Election Violence In Kenya. Masters thesis, University of Nairobi.
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Abstract
The mass media plays a key role in society. Traditionally, the media was thought to have a direct and powerful effect on the people. For instance, the Magic Bullet Theory holds that the media broadcasts directly shape the opinions and actions of the viewers. Opinion on the effect of the media on the society is now divided, however, what ought to be understood is that regardless of the type, the role of the mass media to the society is of primary value for any electoral process and needs to be facilitated and analyzed more keenly. The media plays a critical role in reporting events in the lead up campaigns. Thus, it can contribute to conflict by inciting violence, failing to highlight emerging conflicts, delaying to report conflicts, biased reporting when journalists take sides in the conflict, highlighting hate speech, downplaying genocide, acting irresponsibly, and deliberately misrepresenting the events. But the media also has the potential of positive impact based upon professional standards, combined with diverse access to information and adherence to ethical codes. Such media can contribute to societal reconciliation, alter misperceptions and broaden understanding of the cause and consequences of conflict. Communication has a big role to play in conflict resolution. It has been observed that poor communication always results in misunderstanding and eventually conflicts. The mass media is the most important channel of communication that exists between sides in a conflict. Whereas several studies have been conducted to establish the role the media played during the 2007 elections, little has been done to establish the role of the media in facilitating the resolution of the post-election violence in Kenya. This study seeks to seal this information gap by ascertaining whether the media played a role in the post-election conflict resolution, VI how effectively it was done, and recommends how the media can be used effectively in conflict resolution in Kenya and elsewhere. Using the Post-Election Violence (PEV) in Kenya as a case study, the researcher investigated the role media plays in conflict resolution. The researcher used the interpretive research paradigm to attach meaning to the events, information and documents surrounding the 2007/2008 post-election violence. The researcher used documentary analysis and key informant interviews to collect data for the study. The data was analyzed through content analysis. The test-retest method involving administering the same instrument twice to the same group of respondents was used to ensure reliability. The validity of the data was assured through the use of accurate measures, instruments and standardized data collection procedures. Specifically, cross-case examination and within-case examination along with literature review were applied to ensure validity. The results of the study indicates that the media initially did not provide comprehensive reporting on the unfolding post-election violence and also, knowingly or unknowingly, fuelled it through the promotion of hate speech, partisan management of news, incompetent journalism and dramatization of conflict situations. Fortunately, the situation changed afterwards and the media then set the agenda of healing and peace immediately after the eruption of post-election violence. The researcher concludes that the media, especially radio, has both positive and negative effects on the election process. She recommends that journalists should guard their profession from subjective individual agenda particularly during electioneering.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Masters) |
|---|---|
| Subjects: | Z Bibliography. Library Science. Information Resources > ZA Information resources > ZA4050 Electronic information resources |
| Divisions: | Africana |
| Depositing User: | Geoffrey Obatsa |
| Date Deposited: | 27 Sep 2016 11:58 |
| Last Modified: | 27 Sep 2016 12:49 |
| URI: | http://thesisbank.jhia.ac.ke/id/eprint/1100 |
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