“I’m not your mom, I’m your sister:” A Normative Approach to Understand How National Panhellenic Council Sorority Leaders Handle Honest Conversations

Abstract

This study used Goldsmith’s normative rhetorical theory to explore dilemmas in honest conversations between National Panhellenic Council (NPC) sorority members. Researchers interviewed 16 leaders from one NPC sorority across 14 chapters in the United States. A phronetic iterative analytic approach revealed two communication dilemmas: I have to have this honest conversation with you, but I do not want to and I have power, but I am your equal. To manage these dilemmas, two communicative strategies were identified: intentional planning and message delivery. Findings offer guidance on navigating honest conversations to foster belonging and maintaining a supportive social network.