The Intractability of Reputation: Media Coverage as a Complex System in the Case of Martha Stewart
Abstract
This study examines media reputation—the representation of a person or organization in the media—from the standpoint of complex systems. It analyzes news releases and print media coverage about Martha Stewart from 1982 through 2007 using computer-assisted semantic network analysis. The study concludes that Stewart's media reputation showed characteristics of a complex system, including the gradual emergence of patterns of representation, the buildup of internal dissonance, a crisis point followed by the emergence of new patterns, and resistance to outside influences. These characteristics constrain efforts to shape reputation but can also provide warnings about a changing reputation long before it becomes obvious in media coverage.
Integrity signals
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Cites
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Claims the paper makes
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Sorted by citations
Gilpin, D. R., & Miller, N. K. (2013) · Communication Theory · doi:10.1111/comt.12008 · Cited by 25 · see citing works
Complexity and Organizational Communication: A Quest for Common Ground
Poutanen, P., Siira, K., & Aula, P. (2016) · Human Resource Development Review · doi:10.1177/1534484316639713 · Cited by 10 · see citing works
- Authors
- Murphy, P.
- Affiliations
- Temple University (US)
- Corresponding author
- Murphy, Priscilla
- Venue
- Journal of Public Relations Research
- Publisher
- Informa UK Limited
- Published
- 2010-04-05
- Volume
- 22
- Issue
- 2
- Pages
- 209-237
- ISSN
- 1062-726X (ISSN-L)
- 1532-754X
- OpenAlex
- W2078905758
- Cited by
- 56
- References
- 0
- Citations by year
- 2024: 3 · 2023: 1 · 2022: 5 · 2021: 8 · 2020: 3 · 2019: 2 · 2018: 2 · 2017: 5 · 2016: 7 · 2015: 4 · 2014: 2 · 2013: 8 · 2012: 2
- FWCI
- 14.30
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Journal of Public Relations Research (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Communication › Public Relations and Crisis Communication
- Social Sciences › Business, Management and Accounting › Strategy and Management › Corporate Identity and Reputation
- Social Sciences › Communication › Media Studies and Communication
- Keywords
- media reputation, Martha Stewart, media coverage, complex systems, press releases, print media, semantic network analysis, reputation management
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