Coherence in Workplace Instant Messages — Rhetoric & Composition

Journal of Technical Writing and Communication Oct 2009

Coherence in Workplace Instant Messages

Jo MacKiewicz ; Christopher Lam

Abstract

In our case study, we examined the instant messaging (IM) workplace discourse of a pair of expert IM users. We found that the participants maintained discourse cohesion and thus coherence via short, rapidly sent transmissions that created uninterrupted transmission sequences. Such uninterrupted transmission sequences allowed each participant to maintain the floor. Also, the participants used topicalizations and performative verbs to maintain coherence. We also found that the participants' use of short transmissions may have ambiguated their enactment of their institutional roles and the rights afforded to them by those roles.

Journal: Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
Published: 2009-10-01
DOI: 10.2190/tw.39.4.e
Open Access: Closed
Topics: qualitative research

Citation Context

Cited by in this index (1)

Lam (2013)

The Efficacy of Text Messaging to Improve Social Connectedness and Team Attitud…

Journal of Business and Technical Communication

Cites in this index (1)

Mackiewicz (2007)

Compliments and Criticisms in Book Reviews About Business Communication

Journal of Business and Technical Communication

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