“They Allowed”: Pentadic Mapping of Women's Maternity Leave Discourse as Organizational Rhetoric

Abstract

This study expands applications of Burkean pentadic mapping from traditional rhetorical texts, such as speeches and written documents, to interview discourses. This methodological adaptation assists scholars in understanding openings and closings, that is, opportunities and constraints, in discourses in a variety of communication areas. In particular, pentadic mapping is a way of discovering discursive paths for empowerment and transformation. This study examines the interview discourses of 21 nonmanagerial women who have taken at least one maternity leave. Pentadic mapping of the discourses suggests that leave-takers in pink collar occupations primarily (re)create an organization-as-scene dominated pentad favoring organizational motives. The discourses suggest alternative pentads, terms, and ratios that represent potentials for feminist transformation for leave-takers.

Keywords:

• Burkean Pentad
• Maternity Leave
• Interview Discourse
• Feminist Transformation
• Organizational Rhetoric

An earlier version of this article was presented at the International Communication Association's annual convention in 2003 in San Diego, CA.

An earlier version of this article was presented at the International Communication Association's annual convention in 2003 in San Diego, CA.

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank Karen Whedbee and the anonymous reviewers whose comments helpfully guided the revision of this article. The authors would also like to thank Venessa Bowers and Cynthia Conn for verifying data and participating on the research team.

Notes

An earlier version of this article was presented at the International Communication Association's annual convention in 2003 in San Diego, CA.

1. Visit http://www.paidfamilyleave.org/otherstates.html for a fairly comprehensive summary of current state-level family leave management initiatives in the US.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Rebecca J. Meisenbach

Rebecca J. Meisenbach (PhD, Purdue University) is an assistant professor at the University of Missouri-Columbia

Robyn V. Remke

Robyn V. Remke (PhD, Purdue University) is an assistant professor at Copenhagen Business School

Patrice Buzzanell

Patrice M. Buzzanell (PhD, Purdue University) is a professor at Purdue University

Meina Liu

Meina Liu (PhD, Purdue University) is an assistant professor at the University of Maryland