Life is Calling. How Far Will You Go? A Thematic Analysis of Peace Corps Volunteers' Narratives
Authors:
- Ashley Jones-Bodie (Purdue University)
- Suzy M. D'Enbeau (Purdue University)
- Rebecca Dohrman (Purdue University)
This study extends career and organizational communication theory by analyzing the narratives of Peace Corps volunteers to determine how they discursively construct their work experiences in the Peace Corps. Findings suggest that volunteers experience two distinct, salient periods of ambiguity and uncertainty throughout the Peace Corps experience: the decision-making process before leaving and negotiation of the work and job duties of the volunteer during the experience.