Browsing by Author "Samson, Sonya"

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    Exploring the role of visuals in sensemaking and sensegiving : a study of the Sustainable Development Goals in corporate South Africa
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2019-04) Samson, Sonya; Schulschenk, Jess; Feront, Cecile; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. School of Public Leadership.
    ENGLISH SUMMARY : The expectation of business as a key stakeholder in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is made explicit in the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development that represents a significant global commitment to the sustainability agenda. However, challenges related to business awareness, engagement, and implementation of strategy in relation to the SDGs are impeding change efforts. Concurrently, while the utility of visuals is broadly acknowledged in the organisational and sensemaking/sensegiving literature, their role in processes of sensemaking and sensegiving is underexplored in comparison to written and verbal communication. Therefore, this study aims to explore the potential role of visuals in the processes of sensemaking and sensegiving through a study of the engagement with and understanding of the SDGs by sustainability practitioners in companies. Business engagement with the SDGs provides a rich context for this study, while the exploration of visuals connects the SDG iconography and everyday ubiquity of visual communication to the organisational and sensemaking/sensegiving literature. I employ a grounded theory methodology and draw on a mixed-methods approach to analyse surveys, semi-structured interviews, and documentary data from companies listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange in South Africa. Considering the current engagement of companies in South Africa with the SDGs, I find that although there is a high level of awareness, many companies are yet to translate awareness into actionable strategy. In addition, while the SDGs may catalyse and frame business activities in support of the sustainability agenda, there are operational and interpretive challenges related to engaging with the SDGs. Exploring how companies use visuals when engaging with and communicating on the SDGs, I find that although most companies use some form of visuals, particularly infographics, the use of moving images and three-dimensional media remains limited. Reviewing how visuals may meaningfully contribute towards sensemaking and sensegiving, I identify and elaborate on 12 activities that are supported by visuals and that form part of the four key sensemaking/sensegiving processes of scanning, interpreting, explaining, and influencing. My research findings contribute to an improved, and much needed, understanding of the role of visuals in the organisational and sensemaking/sensegiving literature, and also provide practical insights for practitioners on the use of visuals in engaging with and communicating on the SDGs. As business grapples with reimagining its contribution to the sustainability agenda, I argue for a renewed - and reimagined - focus on the role of visuals in sensemaking and sensegiving.