Discussion Board

Patrick Moore and Melinda Kreth characterize the workplace as inherently political. They argue that “many problems cannot be solved by persuasion” (p. 303). As a result, they say, technical communicators must follow William Riker’s (1986) notion of heresthetics, or “structuring the world so you can win” (as quoted in Moore & Kreth, p. 303). Ultimately, they see technical writers not only as users of language in the workplace, but also as “communication strategists” (p. 303) who must negotiate and even shape complex political situations as part of their job.

Given the work you have done on your rhetorical analyses this term, to what extent do you agree with Moore and Kreth? As appropriate, refer to the practices and theories you discussed in previous discussion questions and/or in your rhetorical analysis assignments.