Laswell’s Communication Model / Five W's

Knowledge Center

What is Laswell’s Communication Model / Five W's? Meaning.

The Five W's by Harold Laswell is a model used to analyze mass communication processes.

In 1948 Laswell proposed a model to describe mass communication processes known as the Five W's Method or Laswell’s Communication Model. He was the first in media studies literature to build up a valid framework that fitted both supporters of passive and active audiences. His studies started a new wave of ideas giving birth to mass communication theories like: Limited Effects Theory, Uses and Gratification Theory, Play Theory of Mass Communication, Spiral of Silence, Cultivation Theory, and Dependence Theory.

Note that in the 1950s mass communication was perceived to be asymmetrical, with powerful media and passive audiences manipulated by messages. See: Hypodermic Needle Theory.

According to the 5 W's model, a scientific analysis of a mass communication message is feasible by answering the following 5 questions:

1. Control analysis: Who / What organization is behind the production of messages?
2. Content analysis: What is the content of a message?
3. Media analysis: Which media channel is used?
4. Audience analysis: To Whom is the communication directed?
5. Effect analysis: What effects are produced by the messages broadcasted?

Among the 5 W's, the most important enquiry field is the content analysis. It defines the scope of a message and enables to track the effects of communication.

Forum New Topic Forum about the Laswell Communication Model (Five Ws). 🔥 NEW Kipling Six Ws / 6 W's / 5W1H Rudyard Kipling, English Nobel Prize winner for Literature (1907) writer and poet, known for his tales and tales and poe (...) 0   2 comments Start a new forum topic about the Laswell Communication Model (Five Ws) Share your opinion, knowledge and experience or ask a question (sign up for free first)

Expert Tips Sign up Advanced insights about the Laswell Communication Model (Five Ws). Here you will find professional advices by experts. How Should CEOs Manage and Communicate the Main Messages? Strategic Communication, Leader Skills, Communication Skills, Leader Perspective Inspiring the organisation to create a better future is arguably the ultimate mission of any leader or CEO. That's why a (...)

Information Sources Sign up Various sources of information regarding the Laswell Communication Model (Five Ws). Here you will find powerpoints, videos, news, etc. to use in your own lectures and workshops. Business Communication: How to Write a Well-organized Message Business Communication, Message Writing, Communication a Message This extensive presentation contains multiple advises and recommendations for the Organization of a Message, including w (...) Types and Functions of Organizational Communication Communication Functions, Communication Structures, Network Organization, Communication Networks Presentation about Organizational Communication Networks and related concepts, including the following sections: 1. Fun (...) 3 Levels of Communication Skills for Managing and Leadership Leadership, Communication Skills, Leadership Communication Framework, Barett According to Barrett (2006) leadership communication can be referred to as the determined and purposeful delivery of mes (...)

Research Links Sign up Automatically jump to further useful sources regarding the Laswell Communication Model (Five Ws). News Videos Presentations Books More

Return to Management Hub: Communication & Skills  |  Ethics & Responsibility  |  Marketing

More on Management  |  Return to Management Dictionary

This ends our Laswell’s Model / Five W's summary and forum.