Smartphones, Professional Behaviour and Workplace Socialisation in Kenyan Organisations: A Case of Capital FM
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Date
2020-07
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Africa Journal of Media Communication
Abstract
The news media industry globally has experienced a great range of
changes due to the entry of digital technologies in journalistic practice.
Journalists are facing the challenge of evolving norms and practices in
commercial companies which in turn are struggling to generate revenues, as
well as keep and grow audiences. The internet-enabled smartphone is among
those technologies whose increasing affordability has caused it to be everpresent
in journalists’ professional lives. This study’s research objective was to
interrogate the use of the smartphone among journalists at Kenya’s pioneer
commercial radio station, Capital FM, and the implications of that use on
professional behaviour and socialisation. The study uses social learning theory
and applies a qualitative case study research design. The data collection tools
were observation and 23 purposively sampled interviews, the latter undertaken
until saturation was reached. The data show smartphone use has facilitated the
fast flow of multi-media content and changes to workplace routines. It has also
redefined the nature of interactions among individuals in a working context,
and transformed certain newsroom basics or rendered them obsolete. Overall,
these changes suggest implications on the future vocational socialisation of
journalists. The study recommends further long-term interrogation of the
effect of smartphones and other digital tools on professional behaviour to
better assess the effects of organisational norms, practices, and structures.
Key words: Smartphones, Workplace Socialisation, Work Routines, Digital
Description
Journal Article
Keywords
Smartphones, Professional Behaviour, Workplace Socialisation, Kenyan Organisations, Capital FM
Citation
Wamunyu, W. (2020). Smartphones, Professional Behaviour and Workplace Socialisation in Kenyan Organisations: A Case of Capital FM. Africa Journal of Media Communication, 1(1) https://www.daystar.ac.ke/downloads/africa_journal_of_media_and_communication.pdf#page=36