Emotion,Social Action,and Agency: A Case Study of an Intercultural,Technical Communication Intern |
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Authors: | Kristin Pickering |
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Institution: | Tennessee Technological University |
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Abstract: | This article reviews literature on emotions within communication settings and proposes that emotions serve as motivations to accomplish social action; these motivations also serve as opportunities to negotiate agency within unfamiliar workplace settings. To exemplify the way this process develops, the author presents a case study of a technical communication intern as she works full-time for a German sales and distribution company. Through reflective self-narratives, the intern describes specific emotions she experiences as she adjusts to this German workplace. These emotions connect directly to decisions the student makes that help her negotiate agency from a “powerless” position, resulting in effective workplace relationships and a competent persona. |
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Keywords: | Affect emotions intercultural communication internships reflection |
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