Date of Award
2019
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department
Education
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine the use of self-promotion, a form of impression management, in states with performance funding models for appropriation of state funds. Eighteen annual reports over the course of three years from six states (Arizona, Minnesota, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Oregon, and Virginia) were examined with four impression management analysis techniques. These analysis techniques included thematic orientation, selectivity, emphasis, and performance comparisons. To inform the studys purpose and results, the study includes literature on the history of the relationship between higher Education and government, accountability, the evolution of performance funding, theoretical framework of neoliberalism, and impression management theories. The study sought to answer three questions: Do states use self-promotion in annual reports? Does this usage change over time? And are there external factors that influence the use of self-promotion? An extensive content analysis with the four impression management analysis techniques revealed the use of self-promotion was present in all 18 annual reports to varying degrees. The use of self-promotion and its change over time was present in three of the six states and were prompted by changes in the performance funding metrics. The influence of external factors appeared to be limited, although the governance structure of a state seemed to play a role in the frequency and use of self-promotion.
Recommended Citation
Burger, Cory, "Making An Impression: How States Employ Self-Promotion In Performance Funding" (2019). All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 1667.
https://scholars.indianastate.edu/etds/1667