Scholarly – Shainne Hostalero

Changing of the Guard: A Soft Guide to Transforming How It Can Be Done [A Synthesis]

To transform an organization for its betterment and be sustainable, leaders must know how to be transformative in the first place.

This synthesis is immensely inspired by Mission Economy: A Moonshot Guide to Changing Capitalism written by Mariana Mazzucato, Ph.D., and tailored fit to the reflections on leadership and organization transformation as a communication scholar. This article explored the importance of successful leadership and being a transformational servant, at that, effective communication, action learning, and mission-driven leading as they result in organizational transformation, and sustainability, and increase people engagement, retention, and boost interpersonal relationships that can be empowering, compassionate, and empathic while attaining organizational purpose. These said factors are anchored to the imminent success of an organization; however, customization or tailor-fitting and reflection to its stakeholders is necessary. The synthesis cited theories in Mission-Driven Leadership (MDL), Path-Goal Theory of Leadership, Institutional Theory of Organization, and Action Learning as part of the backbone of the article to further explore and understand the relation of systems to transforming organizations and transformational and servant-leading.

READ IT HERE

All content © Alessa Shainne L. Hostalero, MDC unless otherwise specified. The opinions expressed here do not represent those of any organizations, individuals, or companies that the author might be affiliated with or employed by. All content aimed to be highlighted or referred to for another study, article, write-up, research, etc., shall be used with permission and citation:

Hostalero, Alessa Shainne L. (2023). A Synthesis – Changing of the Guard: A Soft Guide to Transforming How It Can Be Done. ResearchGate. DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.24018.02243

Information and Its Coining Properties to Present Reality

Information makes up our reality today. It progresses through interaction, culture, and modality (technology advancement), to name a few. Information functions may have developed; thus, they reflect present reality.

Published on ResearchGate on 19 June 2022 | DOI:10.13140/RG.2.2.19899.69924

“Anyare?”: The Collective Mind

Collective Mind is how we can explain it, how we could describe it, and how we can answer the question simply put as “anyare?” or suffice to the wonders of our minds and reactions whether positively or negatively–“wow!”

During my master’s, I read an article written by Dr. Alexander G. Flor, the former dean and a professor in the Faculty of Information and Communication Studies (FICS) of the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU). Currently, Dr. Flor sits as a member of my dissertation committee, and my professor too in my two subjects this semester. The article I’m talking about is “Communication, Culture and the Collective Psyche.”

The reason I remembered was during our recent class, timely as it is, Dr. Flor brought up the said article. Since we are in the middle of the post-electoral scene from the recent 2022 National Elections, the article does make sense to at least navigate us through one of the many answers, if not the sole conclusion, to our questions about the said elections–like, of course, “how did IT happen?”

As a development communicator, one of my objectives, as also shared by Dr. Flor in the article, is a development communicator researcher’s biggest ambition–“to understand and explain how a socially beneficial idea assumes a life of its own and spreads throughout society without the benefit of planned and funded campaigns” (Flor 2007, p.99).

Collective Mind is how we can explain it, how we could describe it, and how we can answer the question simply put as “anyare?” or suffice to the wonders of our minds and reactions whether positively or negatively–“wow!”

This Collective Mind refers to the synergy generated through individual minds in the social system (p.106). Thus, our society has its social system and its collectivity has a mind. Communication plays a huge role in this narrative. In fact, socialization by sociologists and acculturation by anthropologists can only be achieved through communication (p.111).

Society refers to a whole comprised of various individuals. Apart from they share the same spatial, they are typically subject to dominant cultural expectations. In a democratic country just like the Philippines, people have invested power to decide, in our recent case, elected officials in the government, through representation. Communication and comprehension of what’s being communicated craft the society we live in; education, and media/digital media play a huge role today that make or even break forms of information and social construction.

Many may point disinformation and misinformation as part of it, the seeds that are planted reap differently than what was expected of many, now as far as the election results go, the minority (I’ll concentrate more on this in another research). Needless to say, communication is an essential element, if not the main key, of politicking. Hence, as communication scholars, and development communicators at that, (in unison with the sociologists, media personnel, and journalists), we all have a crucial role to play. May it be breeding new sources of knowledge or research, but also understanding societal engagement and cultural communication unbiased more importantly, as we try to be.

Collective Mind is how we can simply glue how we came about, the same goes with the People Power I or EDSA 1 in 1986 and People Power II or EDSA 2 in 2001.

Reference:

Flor, Alexander G. (2007). Communication, Culture and the Collective Psyche. Chapter 10 in Development Communication Praxis, pp.99-114. University of the Philippines Open University Office of Academic Support and Instructional Services. Diliman, Quezon City. ISBN 978-971-767-200-7.

Featured Image from the internet / Pexels.

Media And The Social Welfare: Access To The Juvenile Dependency Courts

Photo from: jcomp/Freepik

The common point of complaint regarding the communication between public agencies serving children and the media has always been the fear, mistrust, and subsequent misinformation.

On one side, you have a child welfare system burdened with the nearly impossible task of mitigating the worst effects of societal dysfunction: child abuse, neglect, and child death. On the other side, you have a cast of overwhelmingly well-intentioned journalists, working under a strict deadline, who are met with a foster care system practically and – in more than half of the states – legally cloaked in obscurity.

The system’s culture of confidentiality invariably erodes the news media’s confidence in it, resulting in a more sensationalist coverage that the foster care professionals are scared about. It is a case, which has showcased us the current warped public perception of a broken foster care system. The logical result is that myriad opportunities to engender civil and political will are missed, and children suffer as a result.

In those jurisdictions, where media has been granted to sensitive juvenile dependency hearings, positive change has resulted.

The Responsibility Of The Media

In this era, media has a huge role in communication – delivering news, telling opinions, and revealing more profound ideas and information for the public’s knowledge, by which, in a nutshell, has a higher responsibility with proceedings and social issues no matter how sensitive those might be.

In the articles of Karen de Sa in Mercury News about broken families and courts, different situations have been cited:

Part II: A timid advocate for parents’ rights

Marquita Jackson, 20, a young mother, who reportedly had her baby allegedly shaken by the father that caused brain hemorrhage to the infant had lead to some stir in court. The case was considered public and was handled by Juvenile Defenders’ Attorneys, it had not looked upon thoroughly or deliberately out of focus. In most cases, when inadequate time and resources were given to the victims and case filers, representations in the court system tend to be poor.

In the discussion of Jackson’s case, a reporter was warned in one interview to not overestimate the importance of due process. Thus, the instance applies to the parents the Juvenile Defenders’ represent; hence, things might sometimes be out of control during the initial hearings: difficulties in getting a social worker to report early and track down some transient clients.

In sensitive cases like Jackson’s, where events weren’t entirely recorded, and evidence wasn’t sufficiently blown presented – due to the complexity of data; including the parents’ emotional standing, personal relationship with the suspect, and the current status of the child – getting more concrete information has been challenging.

Part III: ‘If it was about me, why didn’t they…’

“If we deny youth the opportunity to participate, we really have set up a system that perpetuates injustice.” – Jennifer Rodriguez, a foster youth.

Traditionally, having children in court to attend hearings and proceedings are not usual and inappropriate. The jury believes that having them to participate in susceptible situations are more likely to add to their traumatic insight; hence, don’t contribute to their speedy recovery and emotional healing.

In the case of Zairon Frazier, 14, who got whacked with a belt by his mother: it seems that the case was going towards defending that he is abused. In the mind of Frazier, this could be more than just child abuse. Getting beaten by his own mother could affect not only his physical state but as well as his emotional being – the feeling of belongingness and appreciation by his own biological parent could be considered stained in his mind.

In the circumstance of the prohibition of children to attend court proceedings can make any case more inaccessible and too sensitive. In fact, a reporter who won the court’s approval to observe confidential proceedings in Santa Clara Court in California for more than two weeks has reportedly observed children in only a fraction of hearings.

In The Name Of Responsible Reporting

Media must observe all situations and conditions given: the due process, the consideration of behavior, sensitivity, and perception most specifically of the answering party especially in case of children.

No matter how fearful and nearing the deadlines are, it is essential to observe the proper ways of getting and handling statements or appropriate stories, and more exclusively the unbiased and objective reporting to not affect and feud-up the issue.

It is the journalists’ duty and responsibility to connect personally with the victims and to the witnesses to get a piece of their head without a form of abuse in the name of reporting. In fact, it is part of their sworn obligation to perform their jobs in the most socially responsible way. Understanding the pedagogy of cases shall be dealt with grace by the journalist.

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Hostalero, A.L. (2015). A Social Welfare Activity Report for J4SC101 – Journalism for Social Change, the University of California Berkeley via edX.

References:

De Sa, K. (2016, August 14). Part II: A timid advocate for parents’ rights. Retrieved from https://www.mercurynews.com/2008/02/10/part-ii-a-timid-advocate-for-parents-rights/

De Sa, K. (2016, August 14). Part III: ‘If it was about me, why didn’t they ask me?’ Retrieved from https://www.mercurynews.com/2008/02/11/part-iii-if-it-was-about-me-why-didnt-they-ask-me/

A Fostering Media Connections. (2012). Watched System Forum [PDF]. California: BerkeleyLaw University of California

Threat Inside The Home

Photo from: mindandi / Freepik

“I was feeling a little anxious and worried, scared,” said Heather, 13, while sitting inside the courtroom. Her wide-shaped expressive eyes were looking down at the floor at first, turning her eyesight to everybody in the courtroom – she must be observing. The incident happened that night when her father threatened her life. As a teen, this should not be the kind of thing Heather must be experiencing.

“I was feeling really shy and it was hard enough for me to make friends on a normal day. “

She feels discomfort during her stay in the courtroom. “When I was waiting to be called up, first I was thinking, like I said, how I was really uncomfortable there. As a really awkward 13-year old, I was feeling really shy, and it was hard enough for me to make friends on a normal day. That lonely day, I was feeling really anxious and overwhelmed, and there are all these kids running around doing whatever. I felt like that was my first time there, and all these kids have been through this before,” she said.

“I was mainly thinking about what would it be like to see my parents, what would it be like to sit in the courtroom, what would it look like…”

Heather, still feeling all the awkwardness continued, “They seemed to know where to go to do stuff like the computers, they knew how work is done. I was mainly thinking about what would it be like to see my parents, what would it be like to sit in the courtroom, what would it look like. I really know it tweaks back, so I have a lot of thoughts around that.”

A few days ago, she was removed from the custody of her parents after her father threatened her life. One of her teachers took her in so she won’t end up in a foster care. It was Friday, the County sent a van to pick her up and take her to Los Angeles County’s Edelman Courthouse in Monterey Park where thousands of children are processed every year to enter foster care.

“I knew it wasn’t going to be a fun time.”

As a young lady, it worries Heather that she has to undergo this kind of situation. It was traumatic and very confusing for her. Expressive as her eyes were, she continued, “the night before I’ve gotten taken away it was obviously really a bad night – my dad was trying to kill me and my mom, so I didn’t know what to expect as far as seeing him would go. I guess, I knew I’d be safe because there would be so many people around but the thought of seeing him really… I was really scared and my mom. I knew it wasn’t going to be a fun time.”

Heather, despite all the trials, remained grateful. It made her feel safer being around with people whom she knew she can still trust after the said night.

She is now recovering from the incident. However, the memory might still be there, but she is fighting her hardest to remain strong and live through life. She is bound to be taken into the custody of Los Angeles County, to face not the end but a new beginning.

__________________________________________________________

Hostalero, A. L. (2015).
A narrative report for J4SC101 – Journalism for Social Change, the University of California Berkeley via edX.

The Children’s Rights And The Life After Typhoon Yolanda

Photo from the Philippine Star
(internet photo)

November 6, 2013 was indeed memorable to the whole Philippines; the kind of memory that was far behind the good light and was way too painful to be remembered as Typhoon Yolanda (internationally named Typhoon Haiyan) a category 5 Super Typhoon hit the Philippines, particularly affected Tacloban City, Leyte. It devastated over 14 million people and 41% of it were children.

More than 1 million homes were destroyed during the typhoon; 50 to 90% of the overall reported damage were health facilities and approximately 90% of schools and building have been impaired. The country mourned for all the people who died, families who got broken, and children who have been left behind. Some families were not able to be found, some of their members found dead and other were still reportedly harmed during the devastation.

The Philippine Government, its agencies, non-government organizations and even international agencies and groups sent their help to the country. None of the event occurred during the hit of Typhoon Yolanda has ever been forgotten. It left a mark especially to the children of Tacloban. The once call for survival had led them to something else thereafter. Striving for survival was and still an understatement.

Tacloban children have experienced extreme risks during, and even more, after the hit of the typhoon – death, illness, injury (leading to disability), separation from families, interruption of education, increase in child labor, among other things. Thus, this also include other child protection issues.

In accordance, specific risks have been identified. Children have experienced a reduce, if not total remotion, in access to adequate nutrition and health treatment. Making it worse is their separation from their parents and families which brought them into depression; as well as disruption to education in the middle of the school year. These were all the risks that the children have faced and still facing. Moreover, they are recovering, moving on, and exploring another path in life – little by little, brick by brick.

Their rights for survival, development, participation and most importantly, protection, were the ones that the government and private agencies concerned put into a priority. Thus, included rebuilding their homes, restoring electricity, re-establishing schools and giving out psycho-social assistance and other psychological help and support to children who have been traumatized by the disaster.

As a review, Presidential Decree No. 603 of the Republic of the Philippines “Child and Youth Welfare” Article 3 states the “Rights of the Child” and here are as follows:

Every child has the right to be born well and must be cared and raised well.
Every child has the right to live with family who loves, cares, and teaches good morals to him/her.
Every child has the right to have a proper care and importance from other people.
Every child has the right to have the basic needs of people such as food, water, shelter, clothing and health care.
Every child has the right to have everything he/she needs for a better life.
Every child has the right to be educated.
Every child has the right to play and enjoy whenever they have the opportunity.
Every child has the right to be protected from abuse of adults.
Every child has the right to live peacefully away from bad influence.
Every child has the right to be cared whenever their parents are not available or cannot sustain their needs.
Every child has the right to be living in a good government who helps them strengthen their faith and to become a better citizen.
Every child has the right to grow up peacefully and get what they want for the good of their

Right after the tragedy, these rights were getting themselves be reminded. A lot of children’s fate had whirlwind leaving them homeless, traumatized, separated from their families and worse, even died. It saddened everyone – the world at the utmost. The silver lining could not be found and the children were left just there at a point they do not even know where to go, how to start again, and have questioned on why shall they give life one more try. It all happened. All at once.

In this regard, local private agencies and international organizations have been generous showcased their full support and empathy. They have convene consultations with children who experienced shocked and trauma – a big pan of help came through. They have shared their kindness and compassion to show support; as well as knowledge and tips on what must be done if and when there will be a forthcoming disaster. Their views, perspective and even personal experience and insights have been mustered to provide necessary counseling and comfort to the children of Tacloban. School supplies and other school needs have come through right next to rebuild the point of education in Tacloban City. A lot of volunteer teachers extended their hands to assist the re-establishment of schools for children to continue what they have started in the year. As these rights have been practiced and still are, the lives of the children continued.

Filipinos are known for its resilience making it a strong race, and it is indeed true. The road to survival for the Filipino children was not easy and it does not stop from there then. To have all their rights exercised will make them feel their belonging in the county as part of a strong yielding and hopeful Republic. All of the help and assistance are not just part of the material and tools constituent but to touch their personal beings as well.

A lot of them have lost things and people they only have, yet the hand extended, efforts exerted, eyes that were able to look through and ears lent to listen gave their lives one more chance. Everyone – agencies, institutions, and individuals – have shown dedication, up until today, in putting back the life of Tacloban and its children as their rights in the society matter more than ever.

The devastation of the typhoon took a huge chunk of everything that these children once had. But now, they are proud to say that they are on a new beginning.

References:
– Typhoon Haiyan diary: Mud and ruin in Tacloban
– Children orphaned by typhoon ‘Yolanda’ struggle with trauma a year on
– Thin Lei Win; Thomson Reuters Foundation

http://www.unicef.org/philippines/reallives_21779.html#.VRzGI_yUfbM

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/98801/children-orphaned-by-typhoon-yolanda-struggle-with-trauma-a-year-on

http://www.slideshare.net/jericzabs/rights-of-a-child-philippines

This article has been submitted to University of California – Berkeley (BerkelyX) Journalism for Social Change course as a final requirement. Originally written and updated by Shainne Hostalero.

On Challenging Your Assumptions With the Right Principles and Integrity

Since that I have started a new semester for my Master’s degree, I went back to various lessons from certifications I took up before I finally decided to get on board for (even) higher education. Quite surprisingly, I found past assignment, notes, and even exams, helpful – as it gives me more idea and insights as to make a good argument and ask the right questions.

Last year, I took up a certification on Media Literacy in believing that in this era, we all need to be media literate. Media is already acting like oxygen in our daily lives hence it is very important to put it on the priority list of something we need to understand or learn more.

I found my Media Literacy Week 6 Blog Post activity yet again and I think it is worth sharing here.

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http://www.mediactive.com
Don’t Just Consume Media. Use it.

To my colleagues, friends, student assistants and to the student publication, I am very pleased to be with you all in every step of the way as we, individuals in the educational institution, stand up for our advocacy in education. To correspond, I wanted to share the principles I have learned and beliefs I am now communicating to provide information and relevance.

In this regard, I am very keen to the details of life and media and that there’s always going to be more; thus, changes are to be always expected. But in accordance of these issues and discussions, it is very much important to know our stand and our responsibilities as well as our obligations in spreading the word and in creating it.

Challenge your assumptions

In issues circulating the social media about almost everything that’s happening in our environment, it is so easy to judge and speculate.

One great example might be the viral video [1] that our students and your fellow classmates have uploaded as to submitting of a social experiment that was said to be a requirement to one of their major courses. There are so many assumptions that have been made; and indeed our responsibility in creating media with integrity and righteousness has been affected.

By challenging our assumptions to those uploaded materials on social media including other platforms, we can hone our skill set of making the right verdict on things. Thus, it can create a visible change that will make a domino effect in promoting ‘thinking’ before ‘clicking.’

One thing that I have learned in challenging my assumptions was that: we are the product of our backgrounds, world news and much more. Hence, we must apply this in our everyday lives, digitally or traditional; in or out of the media.

Principles of Creating Media with Integrity

We, at this point in time, are all media creators. The presence of our social media accounts and smartphones are the evidences why we are called media creators of today. In this light of post-modern technology era, we are capable of creating, tweaking and spreading news, current affairs or even our personal stand on things easily – in just one click, in just one touch.

My professor in Media Literacy, Dan Gillmor, was able to explain his given principles of creating media [2] that can be of use not just in journalistic point of view but in our everyday ordinary lives.

To enumerate:

1. Be Thorough

2. Be Accurate

There’s no stupid questions, including checking that you have it right.

Mistakes happen, but you should always honourably correct them

3. Be Fair

Fairness is implicit

On blogs and works: offer comments on your work and keep the conversation going

Foster civility and be respectful

Listen – it’s the first rule of conversation

4. Be Independent

Challenge your own assumptions

5. Be Transparent

Tell people what you’re doing and why you’re doing it

Footnotes:

[1] www.facebook.com/FEUdiliman

[2] http://www.cmsimpact.org/future-public-media/public-media-showcase/dan-gillmors-mediactive-provides-clear-overview-new-media-