"Dilbert": A rhetorical reflection of contemporary organizational communication

The comic strip "Dilbert," created by Scott Adams, was analyzed to evaluate its accuracy and effectiveness in mirroring contemporary organizational communication. This historical case study utilized the methods proposed by Kathleen J. Turner (1977) to provide a rhetorical perspective of "Dilbert" and to demonstrate the reciprocal relationship between the comic and society. A three-pronged approach was applied to examine: (1) Precedents in comic strips and organizational communication; (2) Subject matter and dialogue; and (3) Character composition and artistic style. Conclusions indicate that Adams has astutely captured the dysfunctional nature of workplace communication in a unique form of discourse embraced by a worldwide audience. "Dilbert" is a representative sign of its times that has powerful rhetorical significance within popular culture.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Arts (MA)

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Communication Studies

Grantor dc:publisher

University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Year

1998

Author dc:creator

• Jedlinski, Beverly Ann

Contributors dc:contributor

• Richard J. Jensen

Statement dc:rights

• IN COPYRIGHT. For more information about this rights statement, please visit http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

Language dc:language

English

Identifier

https://oasis.library.unlv.edu/rtds/957

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:oasis.library.unlv.edu:rtds-1956