Language of strategic communication: Advertising, Marketing, Public Relations as Bullshit
5 What to do about strategic bullshit…
Detection of Strategic Bullshit and Language Manipulation (Nico)
At a time in human history when much of the news we receive or the information we digest is biased and borderline untrustworthy (unless of course you are a seasoned journalist), it is more important now than ever before to have the tools to detect strategic bullshit. In short: if verbiage comes from a corporate entity, politician, or businessperson, it is safe to assume that at least part of what they say is bullshit used to sway your opinion or give you a false sense of security when purchasing a commodity. This is the very essence of strategic communication – messages that are drafted with the sole intention of manipulating your actions in a predictable fashion.
There are “three key strategies for identifying bullshit: Evaluate information sources, scrutinize claims that are “too good to be true,” and be wary of confirmation bias” (Whitworth, 2023).
By employing these three key strategies, the probability that one will be able to effectively deduce what is real and what is fabricated should increase dramatically. Taking the time to critically think about what a source is saying and delving into a deeper understanding of their messaging is essential to staying on guard against strategic bullshit.
Evaluating the information sources is the first key to detecting language that is specifically designed to manipulate consumers, voters or any type of audience. In many ways, the famed Five W’s and H are critical here. As a member of the public, one ought to ask who wrote the information and who presented it – this could be the author of a news article or a commercial from a large business. Next, one must question what the intent behind the piece of media is, as understanding why the media was put forth may reveal what strategic bullshit is at play. Analyzing when the content was produced is also helpful to make sense of other news stories or stock market changes, for example. The where and the how are less important here, as though they are not useless by any means, they do not consistently help to detect strategic bullshit.
Scrutinizing implausible claims is the second key to standing on guard against strategic language manipulation. This step is simple, though statistically is the most missed step of all (as demonstrated by the countless victims of internet scams such as “missed” Amazon deliveries or “additional money outstanding” on bills one does not even pay in the first place). Does the claim seem like a stretch or completely out of the ordinary? Oftentimes, language is manipulated to convey a sense of false security or urgency that makes logic and skepticism go out the window at a time when they are most necessary. If something sounds too good to be true, it likely isn’t true – preliminary research and critical thinking must come first to combat manipulation such as this.
Remaining cognizant of confirmation bias is the third and final key to fighting strategic bullshit. As humans, each and every living person has biases without a doubt, as every opinion one holds – as well as the experiences they endure – shape their perception of people and of the world as a whole. It isn’t a bad thing to have these biases, simply a matter of being aware of them. Confirmation bias, the idea that one is more likely to go along with claims that support their current line of thinking, is very important to be cognizant of when looking at strategic bullshit and language. The claim that former US President Donald Trump joined a civilian-led invasion into Mexico may sound believable to those who detested his presidency and found him to be a raging xenophobe. However, that does not make the claim instantly true. In that sense, it is absolutely critical to make sense of one’s own confirmation biases that may lure them into the very trap so strategically laid out for them.
References
Whitworth, E. (2023, November 22). How to be skeptical: 3 ways to identify bullshit. Shortform Books. https://www.shortform.com/blog/how-to-be-skeptical/
Unravelling Strategic Bullshit with the C.R.A.P. Framework
The eradication of strategic bullshit within organizations is crucial to fostering a workplace environment characterized by transparency, trustworthiness, and honesty. To effectively address this issue, the C.R.A.P. framework, developed by McCarthy et al. (2020), provides a structured approach guiding businesses in understanding, recognizing, and responding to instances of strategic bullshit, while also aiding in the prevention of such occurrences. Despite its valuable solutions and insights, the framework does possess certain limitations.
Comprehension:
Understanding strategic bullshit is fundamental to combating it effectively. This deceptive practice arises when individuals or groups prioritize their objectives over truth and accuracy (McCarthy et al., 2020). For instance, a marketing executive might exaggerate a campaign’s impact to secure a larger budget, despite knowing the actual results are modest. This comprehension allows organizations to recognize the manipulative tactics used by strategic bullshitters to advance their agendas.
Recognition:
Identifying strategic bullshit requires cultivating awareness of its manifestations, such as ambiguous assertions and excessive jargon (McCarthy et al., 2020). For example, a manager might use technical terms in a meeting without providing clear evidence or tangible results. Training programs can equip employees to critically evaluate communications, questioning motives and seeking evidence.
Action:
Taking action is imperative when facing strategic bullshit. Encouraging employees to voice concerns promotes transparency and accountability (McCarthy et al., 2020). For instance, team members should feel empowered to question misleading information in project updates. Cultivating a culture where loyalty is directed towards organizational principles reduces blind acceptance of strategic bullshit.
Prevention:
Preventing strategic bullshit is essential for minimizing its occurrence. Establishing clear communication norms and promoting transparency in decision-making are crucial (McCarthy et al., 2020). Regular check-ins requiring data-backed project updates can deter strategic bullshit. Efforts should also prevent silos or echo chambers where strategic bullshit can proliferate unchecked.
Despite the framework providing a methodical strategy, it has limitations. Its effectiveness depends on employees’ capacity and willingness to recognize and combat strategic bullshit. Some employees may still feel hesitant or helpless despite training, especially if fearing reprisal or lacking confidence. The framework might not fully consider organizational dynamics and power structures, allowing strategic bullshit to spread. For example, in hierarchical organizations, subordinates may propagate it due to power differentials or job insecurity. The prevention emphasis may overlook situations where ethical conduct isn’t promoted.
Companies must be aware of the framework’s limitations. Ongoing efforts are needed to foster a culture of integrity, transparency, and ethical behaviour within the organization. [H.P]
References:
McCarthy, I. P., Hannah, D., Pitt, L. F., & McCarthy, J. M. (2020). Confronting indifference toward truth: Dealing with workplace bullshit. Business Horizons, 63(3), 253–263. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bushor.2020.01.001
Resistance
more blah
Feedback/Errata