Journal of Technical Writing and Communication Apr 2015

Eleanor McElwee and the Formation of IEEE PCS

Edward A. Malone Missouri University of Science and Technology

Abstract

This article examines the historical professional project that created the Institute of Radio Engineers’ Professional Group on Engineering Writing an Speech (IRE PGEWS)—now called the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers’ Professional Communication Society (IEEE PCS)—and recounts the group’s early history in detail. It also traces the career and recovers the professional contributions of the main organizer of PGEWS: Eleanor M. McElwee (1924–2008). The formation of PGEWS in 1957 was an intraoccupational strategy of inclusionary usurpation by “publications people” seeking to elevate their status within the engineering profession rather than attempting to build a separate profession of technical communication.

Journal
Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
Published
2015-04-01
DOI
10.1177/0047281615569480
Open Access
Closed
Topics
technical communication professional writing race and writing

Citation Context

Cited by in this index (1)

  1. Malone (2024)
    “Technical Editing and Women Scientists Were Made for Each Other”: Ethaline H. …
    Journal of Technical Writing and Communication

Cites in this index (4)

  1. Malone (2015)
    Women Organizers of the First Professional Associations in Technical Communication
    Technical Communication Quarterly
  2. Malone (2013)
    Elsie Ray and the Founding of STC
    Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
  3. Malone (2010)
    Chrysler's “Most Beautiful Engineer”: Lucille J. Pieti in the Pillory of Fame
    Technical Communication Quarterly
  4. DRAGGA (1993)
    Women and the Profession of Technical Writing
    Journal of Business and Technical Communication
Also cites 14 works outside this index ↓
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CrossRef global citation count: 2 View in citation network →

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