Judith Malveaux COMM 605 March 13, 2012 Michel Foucaults work highlights public relations problematic, contradictory

and questionable aspects by putting truth claims, knowledge systems and the production of meaning at the center of both thinking and investigation. Foucault did not separate knowledge and power because he believed knowledge creates power and power is knowledge. Foucault spent plenty of energy studying words and believed word placement was important to make communication clear. In discussing public relations, Foucault examined conversation, focusing on meaning, giving and organizing practices. To do this, he used archeology and genealogy. I believe his studies can be applied to my strategic communication plan geared at increasing employee engagement and reading of the weekly electronic employee newsletter, DirectLine. Archeology, in Foucaults study, would allow me to dig into the newsletters history and find its roots. I would research how the newsletter began, why it was distributed weekly and other characteristics of its history. This information would give me insight into the original purpose of the newsletter and how the weekly distribution every Monday and other characteristics of the origins of the newsletter. Understanding their origins and their reasons will help me to ascertain whether or not they are still viable in the age of multiple forms of communication and the need to increase engagement and two-way communication with employees.

Foucaults work in genealogy would overlap with my study of my newsletter. I would look at the newsletter and its current purpose to share district news, professional development, community information and other opportunities. I will study these intentions and see if they are the same as the original intent. I will look at how using email the current distribution method came about and why. This will help me understand if the reasoning is no longer sound for distribution of a weekly newsletter. Using archeology would trace the origins and see if it fits in line with the original vision, mission and core beliefs of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools as well as the districts commitment to internal communication. Using Foucault will guide me into looking at the original practices of internal communications, including the start of the newsletter, to ascertain the methodologies for the newsletter and its distribution practices. It will also help me look at the procedures and how they have caused employees to perceive their role in the organization and their voice in the organizations practices and decision making.