Strategic Persuasive Communications of the Government
Maurice Jackson, Jr.
Park University
April 29, 2018
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Abstract
The study sought to determine the strategic persuasive communication in governments, with the
main objective being on the credibility of the speaker. The systematic literature review was used
to gather the relevant information. The data was analyzed and synthesized to determine its
reliability and validity. The systematic literature review demonstrated a relationship between
speaker’s credibility and persuasion (Dastpak &Taghinezhad, 2015). Speakers that are
trustworthy, competent, likable, cite credible sources, and non-coercive tend to be influential.
Cultural factors such as values, beliefs and norms can lead to resistance to change even when the
speaker is considered to be credible. Future studies should seek to determine whether it is the
power differences and not credibility of the speaker that influences the intended audience.
Key Words, Persuasive Communication, credible speaker, cultural factors.
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Introduction
The aim of the research was to demonstrate the relationship between the credibility of the
speaker and influence. The persuasion theory was applied at the political institutions to
demonstrate how a government’s credibility influences change at the local and international
levels. The study was divided into sections such as the problem statement, importance of the
study, objectives, research questions, hypothesis, literature review, and the results.
Problem Statement
The lack of effective communication at within the governments can impede the change in
behaviors and attitudes (Dastpak &Taghinezhad, 2015). The government’s ability to perform at
the local and international levels is determined by various factors among the being the power of
influence. Persuasive communication is the most important factor, but which has been a
challenge for most governments. Locally, governments want to pass certain laws, win elections,
and advocate for certain changes. At the international level, governments want to influence
others in order to gain a competitive edge that is vital for economic, political, and cultural
development. Without certain persuasive communication strategies, governments will continue
to face the challenge of influencing their audience. Gaining credibility as a speaker calls for
consistency in behavior, values, and beliefs, which is also a major challenge for most leaders.
These dilemmas demonstrate why it is important to understand the relationship between
credibility of the speaker and the ability to influence.
Importance of the Study
The study is important for a number of reasons. First, to understand the most effective
communication strategies that will influence the audience to change. Second, the study seeks to
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analyze data and establish the reliability and validity of the past findings. The information helps
in making informed choices about the existing relationship between speaker’s credibility and
influence. Finally, the findings can be used to influence change in the government, especially to
enhance persuasive communication.
Objectives
▪ To determine the role of strategic persuasion in government
▪ To examine the relationship between speaker’s credibility and persuasion
▪ To evaluate the factors that enhance persuasive communication in governments
Research Questions
▪ What is the role of strategic persuasion in government?
▪ Is there a relationship between credibility of the speaker and the ability to persuade?
