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Ego-depletion is in the way

The challenges of controlled communication and the role of the regulatory focus theory in sustainable goals pursuit

Bibliographic Data

ID21696063
AuthorsTatiana Anisimova (0000-0003-3325-1482, Linnaeus University), Soniya Billore (0000-0003-0587-4543, Linnaeus University), Philip J Kitchen (0000-0002-3128-9527, France Business School)
Year2024
Volume28
Issue1
Pages134-146
Publication date2024-03-18
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Communication Management (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1363-254X • E-ISSN: 1478-0852
PublisherEmerald (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1108/jcom-10-2022-0117
OpenAlexW4386005959
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited40

Purpose Via the lens of the ego-depletion phenomenon (Baumeister et al ., 1998) and Higgins' (1998) regulatory focus theory, this paper seeks to explain why current controlled communications are failing to achieve coherence between people's free will and their actions pursuing sustainable goals in a society. This paper explains how ego-depletion triggered by controlled communications can lead to confusion and decision fatigue in a society, thus potentially sabotaging people's participation in sustainable behaviour. Design/methodology/approach The authors applied Jaakkola's (2020) theory synthesis approach to integrate concepts from previously unconnected disciplines in order to generate novel insights in the area of controlled communication management. Findings The authors develop a theoretical framework and present research propositions that can help advance research and the discourse at the intersection of controlled communication and self-regulation theories. Research limitations/implications This paper possesses the limitations associated with conceptual papers, e.g. the lack of empirical support of the study’s conceptual arguments. Practical implications This paper generates novel insights to assist communication practitioners and policymakers to improve vehicles and mechanisms of controlled communication with the public regarding sustainable goals pursuit. Originality/value To the best of authors' knowledge, this is one of the first papers that has merged the domains of self-regulation, ego-depletion, and controlled communication in an integrative framework in order to explain the mechanisms of how to enhance the effectiveness of controlled communication associated with sustainable goals pursuit

Business · Communications management · Conceptual framework · Economics · Ego Depletion · Management science · Political science · Public relations · Regulatory focus theory · Self-control · Social science · Sociology · Behavioral Health and Interventions · Computer Science · Environmental Education and Sustainability · Media Influence and Health · Psychology · Social Psychology · Marketing

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    Open Access•Yang Liu, Pengkun Wu et al.•Internet Research•2025

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Unique citing works1
Citations per year1
Citation span2025 - 2025 (1)
Citation velocityrecent
Highly citedNo
Citation typesNeutral: 1
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