Dr Elaine Xu
Lecturer - Strategic Communications
School of Humanities, Creative Ind and Social Sci
- Email:elaine.xu@newcastle.edu.au
- Phone:(02) 403 39238
Career Summary
Biography
I am a researcher and lecturer passionate about the third sector, communication ethics, and the social economy, especially the relationships formed among governments, companies, and individuals. I study mass media, social media, strategic communications, and platformisation, as well as the roles that individuals and organisations play in influencing how social and environmental issues are framed and marketed to stakeholders, target publics, and audiences. In particular, I am interested in the construction and promotion of 'charitable frames' using text and images and how both communication texts and practices influence ethical, moral, sustainable, and prosocial consumption.
I have a Ph.D. in Global Media and Communications, which was awarded in 2021. In my doctoral thesis, I examined how companies and international non-profit organisations used charitable fundraising campaigns to convey distant suffering and charitable actions to urge purchases of charity-linked products for the clean-water cause. I also have a Master's in Communication Management and completed a dissertation on the exercise and application of regulatory power in Singapore. My Master's dissertation looked at how charity law and regulations can shape engagements in charitable actions, confer social and financial responsibilities to citizens, and influence the development of social enterprises. Another tertiary qualification I have is a Graduate Diploma in Asian Studies.
Areas of research: (i) charitable frames and giving; (ii) virtual communities and social identities; (iii) charitable and illness fundraising; (iv) philanthropy and non-profit marketing; (v) nonprofit and environmental communications; and (vi) how communication texts and processes influence moral, ethical, sustainable, and prosocial consumption (including food practices).
Methodological expertise: (i) interpretive synthesis of literature; (ii) descriptive statistics and analysis; (iii) qualitative content analysis; (iv) textual and visual analysis; (v) semantic network analysis; (vi) thematic analysis; and (vii) digital ethnography.
Since 2016, I have presented my research at national, regional and international conferences attended by communication scholars and practitioners, and those working for charities and civil society organisations. My work is interdisciplinary and my current publications and research projects focus on the topics of:
- illness blogging practices by caregivers and patients,
- foodscape mediation and supermarket food media,
- communications with migrants and culturally and linguistically diverse communities,
- non-profit and environmental communications (including charitable fundraising),
- qualitative frame identification and analysis, and
- ethnocentric and charity-linked consumption and consumption practices.
Before working in academia, I was a media and communications professional and co-managing director of a company that provided production and consultancy services to public-sector and private-sector clients. I am a bilingual communicator (English and Mandarin) and have over 10 years of experience working (and living) in Southeast and East Asia. My expertise lies in content creation (online and broadcast), localisation strategies for content development and marketing, and integrated marketing and communication strategies.
Qualifications
- Doctor of Philosophy, Murdoch University
- Master of Communication Management, Murdoch University
Keywords
- charitable frames
- consumption practices
- development communication
- frame-building processes
- illness blogging
- non-profit communications
- philanthropy
- social media
- strategic communication
Languages
- English (Fluent)
- Mandarin (Fluent)
Fields of Research
| Code | Description | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 470101 | Communication studies | 40 |
| 470104 | International and development communication | 40 |
| 470203 | Consumption and everyday life | 20 |
Professional Experience
UON Appointment
| Title | Organisation / Department |
|---|---|
| Lecturer - Strategic Communications | University of Newcastle School of Humanities, Creative Ind and Social Sci Australia |
Academic appointment
| Dates | Title | Organisation / Department |
|---|---|---|
| 10/5/2021 - 11/3/2022 | Associate Lecturer in Strategic Communications (Undergraduate) | Murdoch University College of Arts, Business, Law and Social Sciences Australia |
Professional appointment
| Dates | Title | Organisation / Department |
|---|---|---|
| 1/1/2007 - 30/11/2018 | Co-Founder and Co-Managing Director | Moriah Group of Media Companies Singapore |
Teaching appointment
| Dates | Title | Organisation / Department |
|---|---|---|
| 2/7/2018 - 7/5/2021 | Sessional Lecturer in Communication (Postgraduate) | Murdoch University College of Arts, Business, Law and Social Sciences Australia |
| 1/2/2018 - 30/6/2018 | Sessional Lecturer and Tutor in Communication (Undergraduate) | Curtin University School of Media, Creative Arts and Social Inquiry Australia |
Awards
Scholarship
| Year | Award |
|---|---|
| 2018 |
Murdoch International Postgraduate Scholarship (a merit-based tuition scholarship and stipend) Murdoch University |
Teaching
| Code | Course | Role | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| CMNS2530 |
Strategic Communications School of Humanities, Creative Industries and Social Sciences | University of Newcastle This course will provide students with an understanding of the fundamental communication and relational concepts and processes that underpin strategic communication and public relations strategy. The course focusses on organisational communication behaviour and strategic engagement with key publics, and the role of strategic communication within an organisation. Using a problem-based learning approach, students will work collaboratively to identify, analyse and address real-world communication issues. Students will develop strategic responses that are underpinned by relevant theoretical, ethical and legal frameworks.
|
Course Coordinator, Lecturer, Tutor | 17/7/2023 - 20/10/2023 |
| CMNS1090 |
Media Storytelling (Foundations of Professional Writing) School of Humanities, Creative Industries and Social Sciences | University of Newcastle This course introduces students to professional writing skills for a range of communication media forms and platforms. Workshops provide the opportunity for students to develop skills to meet new writing challenges, to critically examine examples of professional writing, to discuss their own work with their peers, and to consider the ethical and legal obligations of the professional writer. Students are set writing tasks which offer the potential for publication.
|
Tutor | 20/2/2023 - 5/6/2023 |
| CMNS2140 |
Principles of Public Relations School of Humanities, Creative Industries and Social Sciences | University of Newcastle This course introduces students to the field of public relations and provides a foundational knowledge of public relations theory and practice. Students will begin to develop an understanding of professional practice, ethical issues, and the role of communication strategies and tactics in public relations management. Students are encouraged to explore different types of public relations practice and to begin positioning themselves to develop a career in the field.
|
Course Coordinator, Lecturer, Tutor | 20/2/2023 - 5/6/2023 |
| CMNS2510 |
Global Media Industries School of Humanities, Creative Industries and Social Sciences | University of Newcastle This course examines global issues in communication and media industries. Students will develop their understanding of international media practice and theory and gain skills to assist them in working in a global environment. They will explore the role of media professionals in society. The course examines variations in media systems around the world including how social, cultural, political, economic, and historical contexts influence and impact media practice. This course covers:
|
Course Coordinator, Lecturer, Tutor | 17/7/2023 - 20/10/2023 |
Publications
For publications that are currently unpublished or in-press, details are shown in italics.
Highlighted Publications
| Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 |
Xu E, 'A generalisable model for frame identification: towards an integrative approach', Communication Research and Practice, 6 245-258 (2020) [C1] This paper presents a general model for identifying frames in texts or messages, and for delineating their characteristics and communicative structures. Integrating ideas and meth... [more] This paper presents a general model for identifying frames in texts or messages, and for delineating their characteristics and communicative structures. Integrating ideas and methods from qualitative content analysis, semantic network analysis, and thematic analysis, the model is based on an inductive approach to data condensation and abstraction; it enables the conceptualisation of issue-specific as well as generic frames. The analytic procedures entailed by the model are outlined using examples from a broader study of framing practices in charitable fundraising campaigns. Findings from the study are discussed to illustrate how the model can enhance the trustworthiness and generalisability of frame-based research. Further applications and potential limitations of the model are also discussed.
|
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Journal article (4 outputs)
| Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 |
Xu E, Lee T, 'Supermarket magazines and foodscape mediation in Australia', Communication Research and Practice, 6 111-124 (2020) [C1] This empirical study of Australian supermarket magazines examines how the mediatised representations of branded products are used to construct relations to food and (re-)establish... [more] This empirical study of Australian supermarket magazines examines how the mediatised representations of branded products are used to construct relations to food and (re-)establish its functional and symbolic values. It contends supermarket magazines are corporate-owned and -controlled sites of communication and cultural production that bring to light the shifting (power) relations between consumers, food producers and supermarkets. The first section of the paper highlights the role of mediatised representations, product positioning and differentiation strategies and cultural intermediaries in mediating the functional and symbolic values of branded products. Using data generated from the analysis of Coles and Fresh, the next section outlines the communicative orientations of mediatised representations in supermarket magazines and identifies four types of relations to food practices. A communication model of supermarket foodscape mediation is presented to illustrate the mediatory influence of supermarket magazines on the formation of food practices and food relations.
|
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| 2020 |
Xu E, 'A generalisable model for frame identification: towards an integrative approach', Communication Research and Practice, 6 245-258 (2020) [C1] This paper presents a general model for identifying frames in texts or messages, and for delineating their characteristics and communicative structures. Integrating ideas and meth... [more] This paper presents a general model for identifying frames in texts or messages, and for delineating their characteristics and communicative structures. Integrating ideas and methods from qualitative content analysis, semantic network analysis, and thematic analysis, the model is based on an inductive approach to data condensation and abstraction; it enables the conceptualisation of issue-specific as well as generic frames. The analytic procedures entailed by the model are outlined using examples from a broader study of framing practices in charitable fundraising campaigns. Findings from the study are discussed to illustrate how the model can enhance the trustworthiness and generalisability of frame-based research. Further applications and potential limitations of the model are also discussed.
|
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| 2020 |
Xu E, Lee T, 'Communicative and globalizing impacts of food labels: an Australian study', Media International Australia, 175 93-108 (2020) [C1]
|
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| 2017 | Xu E, Lee T, 'Illness bloggers and sickness scams: communication ethics and the Belle Gibson saga', Ethical Space: The International Journal of Communication Ethics, 14 72-79 (2017) [C1] | Nova | ||||||
| Show 1 more journal article | ||||||||
Conference (19 outputs)
| Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 |
Xu E, Rokobauer E, 'Bringing the(ir) world into the classroom: Using active and inquiry-based learning as inclusive teaching strategies', [Online] (2023)
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| 2023 | Xu E, '"Stand up to the water crisis": Leveraging e-commerce sites as strategic sites of climate change communication', Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand (2023) | ||||
| 2022 | Xu E, 'Who are the beneficiaries? Mediatised bodies as public imaginaries about development in charitable fundraising appeals', Edith Cowan University, Perth, WA, Australia (2022) | ||||
| Show 16 more conferences | |||||
Thesis / Dissertation (2 outputs)
| Year | Citation | Altmetrics | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Xu E, Communicating distant suffering and charitable actions: Framing consumer decisions as remedies for water insecurity, Murdoch University (2021) | ||
| 2017 | Xu E, The evolution of the charitable landscape in Singapore: Social enterprises and regulatory power, Murdoch University (2017) |
Grants and Funding
Summary
| Number of grants | 5 |
|---|---|
| Total funding | $80,648 |
Click on a grant title below to expand the full details for that specific grant.
20232 grants / $78,118
“Let’s talk”: Organ and tissue donation campaign targeting young Australians$73,118
Innovative digital projects to boost awareness about organ and tissue donation for young Australians | Health Portfolio Ministers and Aged Care
Funding body: Australian Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation Authority
| Funding body | Australian Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation Authority |
|---|---|
| Project Team | Doctor Elaine Xu, Doctor Andrea Cassin, Doctor Stuart McBratney, Doctor Simon Weaving |
| Scheme | Community Awareness Grants Program |
| Role | Lead |
| Funding Start | 2023 |
| Funding Finish | 2023 |
| GNo | G2201286 |
| Type Of Funding | C1500 - Aust Competitive - Commonwealth Other |
| Category | 1500 |
| UON | Y |
Blogging about sick children: Factors influencing parental illness blogging practices in Australia$5,000
Funding body: College of Human and Social Futures, University of Newcastle
| Funding body | College of Human and Social Futures, University of Newcastle |
|---|---|
| Project Team | Elaine Xu |
| Scheme | CHSF New Start Scheme |
| Role | Lead |
| Funding Start | 2023 |
| Funding Finish | 2023 |
| GNo | |
| Type Of Funding | Internal |
| Category | INTE |
| UON | N |
20191 grants / $400
PhD Seminar Travel Grant$400
Funding body: International Society for Third Sector Research
| Funding body | International Society for Third Sector Research |
|---|---|
| Project Team | Elaine Xu |
| Scheme | ISTR PhD Seminar Travel Grant |
| Role | Lead |
| Funding Start | 2019 |
| Funding Finish | 2019 |
| GNo | |
| Type Of Funding | External |
| Category | EXTE |
| UON | N |
20181 grants / $630
Graduate Research Conference Travel Award$630
Funding body: Murdoch University
| Funding body | Murdoch University |
|---|---|
| Project Team | Elaine Xu |
| Scheme | Higher Degree Research (HDR) Conference Scholarship |
| Role | Lead |
| Funding Start | 2018 |
| Funding Finish | 2018 |
| GNo | |
| Type Of Funding | External |
| Category | EXTE |
| UON | N |
20171 grants / $1,500
Graduate Research Conference Travel Award$1,500
Funding body: Murdoch University
| Funding body | Murdoch University |
|---|---|
| Project Team | Elaine Xu |
| Scheme | Higher Degree Research (HDR) Conference Scholarship |
| Role | Lead |
| Funding Start | 2017 |
| Funding Finish | 2017 |
| GNo | |
| Type Of Funding | External |
| Category | EXTE |
| UON | N |
Research Supervision
Number of supervisions
Current Supervision
| Commenced | Level of Study | Research Title | Program | Supervisor Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | PhD | The Changing Face of Self-Presentation: Profile Practices of Emerging Adults on Social Network Sites Identified as Adopting Profile Propaganda Techniques. | PhD (Comm & Media Arts), College of Human and Social Futures, The University of Newcastle | Principal Supervisor |
Research Projects
Australian supermarket food media and foodscape mediation 2016 -
Publications
Xu E, Lee T, 'Foodscape mediation in Australian supermarkets: The cultural uses of private-label products', University of Tasmania (2016)
Xu E, Lee T, 'Supermarket magazines and foodscape mediation in Australia', Communication Research and Practice, 6 111-124 (2020) [C1]
Xu E, Lee T, 'Communicative and globalizing impacts of food labels: an Australian study', Media International Australia, 175 93-108 (2020) [C1]
Collaborators
| Name | Organisation |
|---|---|
| Terence Lee | Murdoch University |
Illness blogging and social media influencers 2017 -
Publications
Xu E, Lee T, 'Illness bloggers and sickness scams: communication ethics and the Belle Gibson saga', Ethical Space: The International Journal of Communication Ethics, 14 72-79 (2017) [C1]
Xu E, Lee T, 'Cyber-ethics and the Belle Gibson controversy in Australia', Google Asia-Pacific Headquarters (2017)
Xu E, Lee T, 'Illness bloggers and sickness scams: Belle Gibson as a cultural and technological artefact', University of Sydney (2017)
Xu E, Archer C, 'Networked intimacy in online illness narratives and charitable fundraising', Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia (2018)
Sidhu J, Archer C, Xu E, 'The practice and portrayal of cancel culture in Singapore: A case study of an influencer s sexual misconduct scandal', University of Wollongong (2022)
Migrant workers and COVID-19 responses 2020 -
Publications
Xu E, 'Mobilising communities and resources for COVID-19: A comparative study of national mask-sewing initiatives in Australia and Singapore', (Virtual conference) (2020)
Xu E, 'Government and third-sector responses to help others amid COVID-19: A framing study on helping strangers in Singapore [Virtual presentation]', Concordia University, Montreal, Canada (2022)
Xu E, Lim T, Lee H, 'From reputation to resilience: Organisational communication management around Singapore s COVID-19 outbreaks in migrant worker dormitories', University of Wollongong (2022)
Charitable fundraising and development communication 2017 -
Publications
Xu E, 'Fundraising messages and the influence of framing on the communication of charitable actions', Murdoch University (2017)
Xu E, 'Communicating fragmented realities of charitable need', University of Auckland (2018)
Xu E, 'Charitable frames in water fundraising campaigns: Findings on the communicative processes that shape the impetus to buy', Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia (2019)
Xu E, 'Solving water inaccessibility through individual purchases: An analysis of cause-related marketing campaigns between 2005 and 2018', National Institute of Development Administration, Bangkok, Thailand (2019)
Xu E, 'The communicative potency of charitable frames: Mobilising and (re)framing international development actions', (Virtual conference) (2020)
Xu E, 'A generalisable model for frame identification: towards an integrative approach', Communication Research and Practice, 6 245-258 (2020) [C1]
Xu E, Communicating distant suffering and charitable actions: Framing consumer decisions as remedies for water insecurity, Murdoch University (2021)
Xu E, 'Globalising representations of (distant) human suffering: An analysis of the commercial and charitable portrayals of water (in)security', (Virtual conference) (2021)
Xu E, 'Gratification orientation model of charitable fundraising: Audience activity, interpretive frames, and communication processes', (Virtual conference) (2021)
Xu E, 'Who are the beneficiaries? Mediatised bodies as public imaginaries about development in charitable fundraising appeals', Edith Cowan University, Perth, WA, Australia (2022)
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Research Collaborations
The map is a representation of a researchers co-authorship with collaborators across the globe. The map displays the number of publications against a country, where there is at least one co-author based in that country. Data is sourced from the University of Newcastle research publication management system (NURO) and may not fully represent the authors complete body of work.
| Country | Count of Publications | |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | 6 | |
| Singapore | 1 |
Dr Elaine Xu
Position
Lecturer - Strategic Communications
School of Humanities, Creative Ind and Social Sci
College of Human and Social Futures
Contact Details
| elaine.xu@newcastle.edu.au | |
| Phone | (02) 403 39238 |
Office
| Room | x439 |
|---|---|
| Building | NUspace |
| Location | Newcastle , |
Connect with me
