Laswell’s Communication Model / Five W's

Knowledge Center

Description of Laswell’s Communication Model (Five W's). Explanation.

All about Laswell Communication Model (Five Ws)

Join now. Completely free.

All about Laswell Communication Model (Five Ws). Join now. Completely free.

Definition Laswell’s Communication Model / Five W's. Description.

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:

Control analysis: Who / What organization is behind the production of messages?
Content analysis: What is the content of a message?
Media analysis: Which media channel is used?
Audience analysis: To Whom is the communication directed?
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.

Special Interest Group - Laswell Communication Model (Five Ws)

Special Interest Group (31 members)

Forum - Laswell Communication Model (Five Ws)

Discussions about Laswell Communication Model (Five Ws).

	Kipling Six Ws / 6 W's / 5W1H Rudyard Kipling, English Nobel Prize winner for Literature (1907) writer and poet, known for his tal (...)

Best Practices - Laswell Communication Model (Five Ws)

Here you find the most valuable discussions from the past.

Expert Tips - Laswell Communication Model (Five Ws)

Here you will find advices by experts.

Resources - Laswell Communication Model (Five Ws)

Here you find powerpoint presentations, micro-learning videos and further information sources.

	Business Communication: How to Write a Well-organized Message Business Communication, Message Writing, Communication a Message (...)

	Types and Functions of Organizational Communication Communication Functions, Communication Structures, Network Organization, Communication Networks (...)

	3 Levels of Communication Skills for Managing and Leadership Leadership, Communication Skills, Leadership Communication Framework, Barett (...)

Special Interest Group Leader

You here? Sign up for free

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.