Scholarly Article Evaluation
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Scholarly Article Evaluation
Using the recommended library databases (MLA International Bibliography, Academic Search Complete) to research, find and read a scholarly article of approximately 12-15 pages from an academic journal or a book. The scholarly article must be on a topic directly related to one of the poems, stories, or authors we have read this semester. You must include a photocopy or PDF printout of at least the first ten pages of the article with this evaluation form. After reading the article, thoroughly answer the following questions in complete grammatical sentences (you may handwrite or type your responses).
Name: ______________________________Score: _____/30
Please print (or type) neatly the full, correct, MLA formatted bibliographic entry for the scholarly article (i.e., the way it would look on a Works Cited page). (5 points)
Allen, Myria W., and Christopher A. Craig. “Rethinking corporate social responsibility in the age of climate change: a communication perspective.” International Journal of Corporate Social Responsibility 1.1 (2016): 1-14.
What is the focus of the article? In other words, what stories, poems, or authors does the article focus on? (5 points)
The article focuses on the story of climate change. It discusses corporate social responsibility with regards to climate change and how vital a role communication can play in holding corporate organizations responsible for climate challenges. The article highlights that communication is the basis through which sustainability proposals are disseminated thus should be used appropriately to make organizations accountable for climate challenges. It proposes refocusing CSR efforts in light of projected climate challenges through communication.
What is the thesis statement of the article? If it is explicitly written in the article, quote it directly below and explain what paragraph you found it in; if it is left implicit, paraphrase it below in one or two sentences and explain what paragraph most closely reveals the thesis. (10 points)
The thesis statement of the article is; “Communication is more than a tool to craft a positive corporate image to gain or protect legitimacy. It is the means through which CSR sustainability-related initiatives are created and disseminated within organizations and among their key stakeholders”. It is found at the end of the first paragraph and it is what the article revolves around. The thesis gives the reader the writer’s position on the subject being discussed. In this case, the writer’s stand about the role of communication in CSR sustainability initiatives. The rest of the article is trying to validate the thesis through facts, data, and explanations. The thesis is perfectly placed. A good paper often places the thesis at the end of the introduction paragraph as done in the case of the article.
What introductory strategies does it employ (such as a quotation, anecdote, etc.) and how effective are those used? (3 points)
The article uses an anecdote in its introduction. It gives a brief narration of an event in 2015 where top corporates came together expressing concerns about climate change. This introduction is highly relevant since it provides a background to what the article is talking about and hooks the reader to the subject being discussed. Anecdotes also underscore the significance of incidents next to that of professional perspectives. Reading the introduction to the article, one is very likely to be interested in the rest of the paper.
What kinds of evidence (experiment results, logic, data, etc.) does the writer use to develop and support the thesis? Evaluate its effectiveness and persuasiveness. (3 points)
The article provides data and research findings to support the thesis. It provides research data on corporate investment in communication over the years as a tool to evade social responsibility. Provided in the article, for instance, is fact that a company, Exxon funded deniers of climate change for 27 years as a means of distracting the public from the climate change debate. Along with evidence of the impact of corporate public relations and declaration about social responsivity, the paper is convincing about the role of communication in corporate social responsibility.
What does the essay leave the reader to think about in the conclusion? How does that connect to the overall point of the article? (2 points)
The article leaves the reader to ponder about what they can do to change the path of a universe headed for adverse climate changes. It equips the reader with a clue of where to start, stating that the journey towards a better climate for the world in the future can be impacted by communication that employs SMART messaging.
What can you add to the discussion? Do you agree with the thesis? Why or why not? (2 points)
I completely agree with the thesis. Communication is the tool through which CSR sustainability-related initiatives are created and disseminated. Some of the efforts towards environmental conservation and climate preservation today are the results of initiatives and communication by leading world corporates. Communication if used appropriately can effectively refocus CSR efforts to sustainable future climate.
