Alternative models of communication development: Bridging theory and praxis

Although communication is now a highly valued developmental tool, planners still receive little guidance from policy makers on the role and application of communication in national development efforts. For centuries, philosophers and scholars have debated the relationship of theory and praxis. From the time of the classical Greek "bios theoretikos" to Husserl's phenomenological attempt to bridge empiricism and rationalism, those responsible for implementing societal programs have lacked theoretical or ideological guidance. This study examines two nations which have recently employed alternative approaches to development contexted in societal world view. The cases are examined to determine their degree of success in translating theory or ideology into policy and practice in terms of a cybernetic theory/ideology-policy-praxis model. The Chinese development model fully incorporates the Chinese world view which has legitimized the efforts and programs of the national leaders. Although highly controversial for its leaders' ruthless treatment of opposition, this approach has had startling success in educating the masses, and has now begun to realize significant economic gains as well. The model combines communication technology with traditional group and interpersonal structures, with an emphasis on strategy development and implementation at the local level. The Tanzanian alternative was also ideologically driven and contexted in tradition and culture. Unlike China, however, Tanzania was unable to sustain its approach as many of the leaders grew impatient and implemented policies which are neither consistent with original objectives nor supported by the Tanzanian people. Although Tanzania has realized gain in some areas, it is generally considered to have lost ground overall. These case studies demonstrate the need to context development within a society's world view, and to use communication not only as a development tool, but also as a facilitator to continually refine and reshape development policy and practical implementation through the theory/ideology-policy-praxis process.