Positive Deviance Case Selection as a Method for Organizational Communication: A Rationale, How-to, and Illustration

Ryan S. Bisel; Pavitra Kavya; Sarah J. Tracy

doi:10.1177/0893318919897060

Positive Deviance Case Selection as a Method for Organizational Communication: A Rationale, How-to, and Illustration

Ryan S. Bisel, Pavitra Kavya, Sarah J. Tracy

CLAS-SS: Human Communication, Hugh Downs School of

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article

Abstract

Case study remains a foundation of past and present organizational communication scholarship. In this article, we show the value of supplementing traditional case-selection methods with positive deviance case selection (PDCS). PDCS is about identifying and investigating individuals, teams, and organizations whose communication is intentional, nonnormative, and honorable. PDCS supports the creation of analytic generalizations and transferable concepts that can be recommended or imitated to bolster communicative excellence and thriving in the workplace. The article explores the benefits of and techniques for PDCS and illustrates the unique strengths of PDCS with two recent examples in the organizational communication literature. Implications for method, theory building, and practice are discussed throughout the article.

Original language	English (US)
Pages (from-to)	279-296
Number of pages	18
Journal	Management Communication Quarterly
Volume	34
Issue number	2
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1177/0893318919897060
State	Published - May 1 2020

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Keywords

case study
method
positive communication scholarship
positive deviance
positive organizational communication scholarship
positive organizational scholarship

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Communication
Strategy and Management

Cite this

Bisel, R. S., Kavya, P., & Tracy, S. J. (2020). Positive Deviance Case Selection as a Method for Organizational Communication: A Rationale, How-to, and Illustration. Management Communication Quarterly, 34(2), 279-296. https://doi.org/10.1177/0893318919897060

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Access to Document

10.1177/0893318919897060