ICLASP19 Task Force

the application of integroup communication as praxis

The ICLASP19-Tucson Task Force is being established to identify contexts where theories of intergroup communication can be introduced to make practical changes with a view to enhancing communication outcomes. The emphasis is on praxis. Scroll down to see how to get involved.

Rationale

The rationale of this taskforce is to improve communication in contexts that, for a wide range of reasons, have, previously been identified as challenging. Previously communication failure has been mainly viewed through an interpersonal lens. But over the last few decades, this interpersonal approach has been questioned because it misses important characteristics that underpin communication. Not only is the context where the communication occurs a critical component of how interactions unfold, but researchers had failed to recognize the role that intergroup relations play in human relationships and communication. Language and social psychology researchers have reliably demonstrated that intergroup identification with its associated privilege can dictate communication behaviour.

By bringing together both intergroup and interpersonal salience as key predictors of human motivation in interactions, researchers have created a fruitful and insightful approach to better explain communication relations and behaviour. As such, it is incumbent on researchers to not only validate endeavours via publication in high-impact journals, but also to establish how their research can be successfully applied to communities and institutions to enhance well-being, improve outcomes, or both. The time is right for focusing on praxis.

Demonstrating the practical impact of research represents a paradigm shift in measuring its value. While some scholars may find this a difficult key performance indicator to achieve, researchers working in the area of intergroup relations and associated communication behaviour are in a strong position to address this.

Aims & Goals

This taskforce calls for intergroup communication researchers to:

Showcase research that demonstrates how intergroup dynamics are present in a particular context
Explain the challenges and tensions of the identified context
Highlight both positive and negative aspects of the identified context
Review what has historically been researched
Outline specific actions to address and enhance communication.

How to get involved

Submission

Members interested in becoming part of this Task Force should submit an extended abstract of no more than 750 words detailing the chosen context and addressing the points listed under Aims and Goals to the Task Force co-chairs: Bernadette Watson (bernadette.watson@polyu.edu.hk) and Rachyl Pines (rpines@stanfordhealthcare.org) by Wednesday, 15 October, 11:59pm, Australian Eastern Time. We plan to advise authors of the outcome by end of November at the latest. Only one submission as first author is permitted. However, your name may be on other submissions but not as first author.

We have a strict abstract format detailed below. The emphasis of the submitted research should be how the researchers are working with relevant stakeholders to implement changes or if implementation has occurred, what is the impact.

We will accept works in progress for the abstract submission, with the expectation that preliminary results, at minimum, will be available for presentation by ICLASP Tucson.

Abstract Format

Author(s)
Title
Objective
Method
Results (if available)
Implementation plan and/or impact of research

Outcomes

The initial outcomes of the task force will be a panel at the International Conference on Language and Social Psychology in Tucson, Arizona, and a panel at the International Communication Association Conference, Cape Town, South Africa, both in 2026. Participation in a special Task Force symposium for at least one of the conferences is strongly encouraged. Publication as a special issue of the Journal of Language and Social Psychology is also possible. Additional details about these outcomes will be communicated to Task Force members at a later date. Please indicate with your submission whether any authors on your submission plan to attend the ICLASP19 and ICA 2026 conferences in person.

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