ODA seminar by Hilde Bjørnå (UiT The Arctic University of Norway)

On 29 May at 12:00 there will be an ODA seminar by Hilde Bjørnå, UiT The Arctic University of Norway. Hilde will present two of her recent articles:

Nordicom review: Social Media as an Agenda-setting Instrument in Local Politics (by Beate Steinveg & Hilde Bjørnå)

Abstract
This article contributes to the literature on political agenda-setting on social media in the local context. Using interviews with local politicians in Northern Norway, the article discusses local politicians’ use of social media for agenda-setting in between elections from an agency perspective. We ask whether local politicians seek to promote and control the definition of an issue on social media, and whether local politicians are influenced by citizens opinions on these platforms. We find that local politicians do take advantage of social media in the agenda-setting process, for problem definition and to sell their ideas. We also find that local politicians use social media to bypass traditional media for political messaging, that they are sensitive to public opinion on Facebook, and we find evidence of online debates brought into formal policymaking processes.

Keywords: social media, agenda-setting, local politics, political communication, Northern Norway

Managing social responsibility in Aquaculture
– Examples from Arctic Norway

Abstract
This study adds to the knowledge of the social dimension of the aquaculture literature by examining salmon companies’ social responsibility policies. What is the impact of their social responsibility policies towards local communities, i.e. policies that include environmental initiatives, and cooperation with and support of local businesses? The aim is to offer a better understanding of companies’ local policies and their impact on local legitimacy and reputation, and to illuminate the challenges faced by the industry in this regard. The article is based on three cases (fish farm companies) and information about the perceptions of key stakeholder groups in different areas of Arctic Norway. The main empirical findings are that locally anchored salmon companies engage in their communities, they build local relationships, and facilitate cluster development. Their efforts to counter negative environmental impacts of the industry are substantial but largely unknown. Their relationship with traditional fisheries has improved over time but there is a feeling of resignation among local fishers. Our conclusion is that the salmon industry gains local legitimacy through sponsorship, presence and participation in community life and the use of local suppliers. Their reputational assets are primarily trustful relationships, important and highly visible projects, and facilitation of local cluster development.

Everyone is welcome!