A1 Journal article (refereed)
Navigating Turbulent Political Waters : From Corporate Political Advocacy to Scansis in the Case of NBA-China Crisis (2022)

Zhao, H., & Valentini, C. (2022). Navigating Turbulent Political Waters : From Corporate Political Advocacy to Scansis in the Case of NBA-China Crisis. Journal of Public Relations Research, 34(1-2), 64-87. https://doi.org/10.1080/1062726x.2022.2064288

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: Zhao, Hui; Valentini, Chiara

Journal or series: Journal of Public Relations Research

ISSN: 1062-726X

eISSN: 1532-754X

Publication year: 2022

Publication date: 14/06/2022

Volume: 34

Issue number: 1-2

Pages range: 64-87

Publisher: Routledge

Publication country: United States

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/1062726x.2022.2064288

Publication open access: Openly available

Publication channel open access: Partially open access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/82105

Abstract

Drawing on insights from both rhetorical arena theory and contingency theory of conflict management, this study examines the role of political factors in shaping stakeholder groups’ perceptions and organizational responses and stances in a scansis of a multinational corporation. This study combined qualitative content analysis and semantic network analysis to analyze organizational responses, news coverage, and social media posts regarding the National Basketball Association (NBA)–China crisis in 2019, triggered by an online comment from a team executive supporting the Hong Kong protesters. The findings show (1) the presence of diverse and rich political-laden and politically divided discussions in news coverage and social media posts, (2) a subsequent change in the NBA’s stance, from accommodative toward defensive, in response to those discussions, and (3) the great role of geopolitics/international politics and political values as political contingency factors in steering organizational, media, and digital public discourses. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.

Keywords: international corporations; international politics; international relations; corporate communications; crisis communication; public relations; professional sports; reputation management

Free keywords: corporate political advocacy; international crisis communication; scansis; rhetorical arena theory; contingency theory; NBA

Contributing organizations

Ministry reporting: Yes

Reporting Year: 2022

JUFO rating: 1