The Manageability of Country Communication Regimes

Abstract

The article introduces results of the first Russian fundamental research of communication regimes, that, in particular, contains scientific understanding and analysis methods of manageability of country communication regimes. Based on systemic, institutional, structural methodological approaches and theories (theories of complex systems, structuration, communication and concepts of political regimes), the author examines communication regime as sociopolitical phenomenon, requiring polyparadigmatic and interdisciplinary research. The author considers communication regime as a socio-political phenomenon that requires a polyparadigm, interdisciplinary research, control over communication regime – as a process, and manageability – as an attributive qualitative characteristic of the communication regime, as the goal and result of control. The manageability is interpreted as a measure of control by the managing center over control objects, and implies a measure of voluntary consent of governed objects with the degree of its subordination and autonomy. Hence, the manageability is reached when society voluntarily interiorizes, negotiates and admits institutionalized practices, strictures, forms, instruments, the degree of communication control and sanctions for deviations from the established norms. Ensuring manageability requires effective implementation such functions of governance subjects as control and implementation, achieving solidarity and coherence of all communication participants. The criteria of manageability are as follows: (1) capability of non-conflict transferring the system from one state to another; (2) ability of governance subjects to reach controlled parameters of communication regime; (3) capability to use mechanisms of self-organization and self-reflection for adjustment of communication regimes. Besides, the author proposes the methods for analyzing the controllability of communication modes. Its application allows: (1) to identify the type of managing of communication regime (by the degree of conventionality and location of the communications managing center) and to determine its level of independence and legitimacy; (2) to determine features of manageability of communication regime in one or another governance type of communication regime. The author’s thoughts and conclusions are illustrated by examples of communication regimes in different countries.