Heather Kavan
Massey University, Communication, Journalism and Marketing, Faculty Member
This paper tells the story of my research on Falun Gong and its aftermath. I describe a series of events including online slurs, implied threats and warnings, phone and email harassment, and messages to my colleagues, seemingly designed... more
This paper tells the story of my research on Falun Gong and its aftermath. I describe a series of events including online slurs, implied threats and warnings, phone and email harassment, and messages to my colleagues, seemingly designed to isolate, demoralize and silence me. Next, I narrate discovering references to an intelligence report stating that former United States Army Colonel Robert Helvey was believed to be acting as an adviser to Falun Gong. I discuss Helvey’s book “On Strategic Nonviolent Conflict” as a check-list of Falun Gong tactics. I query the appropriateness of targeting academics with psychological violence designed to topple dictators and suggest the spiritual movement would be better suited to the principled nonviolence of Gandhi and Martin Luther King.
Research Interests:
This research explores the characterisation of individuals and groups in Falun Gong news stories through a lens of archetype analysis. Longitudinal data was used to reveal changes to people's identities. Practitioners are depicted... more
This research explores the characterisation of individuals and groups in Falun Gong news stories through a lens of archetype analysis. Longitudinal data was used to reveal changes to people's identities. Practitioners are depicted primarily as victims and martyrs and secondarily as crusaders, warriors, and avengers. However, the 2006 allegations of organ harvesting mark a turning point in the narrative where members' identities are infantilised. While the depictions benefit Western advocates and a minority of zealous practitioners, everyday practitioners do not benefit. They are cast in the role of helpless, wounded, constantly embattled, crusading and avenging victims who have to be rescued by the superior Western world. To transform the narrative, protagonists could bring forward another archetype-one that does not depend on dualisms of good and evil or superiority and inferiority.
Research Interests: Archetypes and Falun Gong
Falun Gong, a religious movement that has been locked in a propaganda war with the Chinese government since 1999. The study is based on a year’s ethnographic research with Falun Gong, analysis of Falun Gong leader Li Hongzhi’s speeches... more
Falun Gong, a religious movement that has been locked in a propaganda war
with the Chinese government since 1999. The study is based on a year’s
ethnographic research with Falun Gong, analysis of Falun Gong leader Li
Hongzhi’s speeches and writings, and a discussion of external sources.
I discuss the competing versions of the facts about who Li Hongzhi is, why
Falun Gong was banned, and human rights violations. I conclude that, although
the Western media is more accurate than the Chinese media on the critical issue
of human rights violations, much of the material about Falun Gong in the
Western news misleads the public.
with the Chinese government since 1999. The study is based on a year’s
ethnographic research with Falun Gong, analysis of Falun Gong leader Li
Hongzhi’s speeches and writings, and a discussion of external sources.
I discuss the competing versions of the facts about who Li Hongzhi is, why
Falun Gong was banned, and human rights violations. I conclude that, although
the Western media is more accurate than the Chinese media on the critical issue
of human rights violations, much of the material about Falun Gong in the
Western news misleads the public.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Falun Gong was virtually unheard of in the West until 1999 when 10,000 members made international headlines by protesting in Zhongnanhai. The religion has since featured prominently in the news with stories of protests, torture of... more
Falun Gong was virtually unheard of in the West until 1999 when 10,000 members made international headlines by protesting in Zhongnanhai. The religion has since featured prominently in the news with stories of protests, torture of members, and alleged self immolations. Analysing the ...
New Zealand is a multi-faith country that is becoming increasingly secular, with the mainline Protestant churches losing tens of thousands of adherents each census. The purpose of this study is to get a clearer understanding of New... more
New Zealand is a multi-faith country that is becoming increasingly secular, with the mainline
Protestant churches losing tens of thousands of adherents each census. The purpose of this study is to
get a clearer understanding of New Zealand’s secularisation process. The International Social Survey Programme (ISSP) questionnaire was used to capture the religious landscape. A random selection of
2040 New Zealand adults yielded 1027 valid responses, and the data were weighted for age and gender.
The results showed a decline in adherence to religious institutions, coinciding with a reduced faith in
the traditional monotheistic view of God. However, reports of religious experience increased. Additionally,
30.5% agreed with the statement, “I don’t follow a religion, but am a spiritual person interested
in the sacred/supernatural.” The results draw attention to the ineffectiveness of census results and
church attendance surveys as a measure of how religious a population is.
Protestant churches losing tens of thousands of adherents each census. The purpose of this study is to
get a clearer understanding of New Zealand’s secularisation process. The International Social Survey Programme (ISSP) questionnaire was used to capture the religious landscape. A random selection of
2040 New Zealand adults yielded 1027 valid responses, and the data were weighted for age and gender.
The results showed a decline in adherence to religious institutions, coinciding with a reduced faith in
the traditional monotheistic view of God. However, reports of religious experience increased. Additionally,
30.5% agreed with the statement, “I don’t follow a religion, but am a spiritual person interested
in the sacred/supernatural.” The results draw attention to the ineffectiveness of census results and
church attendance surveys as a measure of how religious a population is.
Research Interests:
This paper explores New Age interpretations of Joan of Arc, both as a fifteenth-century woman and as a spiritual being. The central focus is on messages believed to be from Joan (or “Jeanne”), channeled by Starla Hinman. I analyze the... more
This paper explores New Age interpretations of Joan of Arc, both as a fifteenth-century woman and as a spiritual being. The central focus is on messages believed to be from Joan (or “Jeanne”), channeled by Starla Hinman. I analyze the content and impact of these messages, and conclude that a new archetype of Joan has emerged—as a woman of the future who can positively transform the world. Additionally, I discuss five ways in which spiritual seekers perceive Joan today: as a mystic, an ascended master, a personification of the divine feminine, a torch-bearer of the Holy Grail, and the embodiment of Michaelic and Marian essences.
Research Interests:
Taking as my starting point Bob Black’s question, “Life after death – why wait?”, I explore New Age spiritual channeling. While research has focused on verbal and written messages, many participants say that around 95% of channeling is... more
Taking as my starting point Bob Black’s question, “Life after death – why wait?”, I explore New Age spiritual channeling. While research has focused on verbal and written messages, many participants say that around 95% of channeling is transferring higher dimensional energy, and that much information is transmitted telepathically at a “soul” level. The research is based on four channelers in New Zealand, who are believed to be transmitting energies and messages from ascended masters and galactic consciousnesses. The study describes channeling experiences, including the benefits, as well as risks, of being involved. I conclude that in a world where increasing numbers of people are extending the frontiers of spirituality, a pushing of the scholarly boundaries to incorporate passions, vulnerabilities and puzzles may be the best way to study the channeling phenomenon.
Research Interests: Religion and Spirituality
Research Interests:
While research over the last 30 years has shown that sermons have a minimal influence on listeners, denominational differences in sermon effectiveness have been unexplored. We surveyed Anglican and Elim members (representing Mainline... more
While research over the last 30 years has shown that sermons have a minimal
influence on listeners, denominational differences in sermon effectiveness have
been unexplored. We surveyed Anglican and Elim members (representing
Mainline and Pentecostal Christians respectively) to compare their responses to
sermons, and the sermon features and themes they prefer. The results revealed
higher sermon effectiveness responses from Elim participants. The data also
showed that Anglicans desired significant intellectual content and discussion of
social issues compared with Elim members who gave higher ratings on almost
all other features and themes. However, participants from both churches
responded to sermons in a predominantly emotional (rather than cognitive or
behavioural) way, and most wanted to hear sermons on grace and forgiveness.
We conclude by noting the need for evaluations of sermon effectiveness that
reflect preachers’ and listeners’ motivations.
influence on listeners, denominational differences in sermon effectiveness have
been unexplored. We surveyed Anglican and Elim members (representing
Mainline and Pentecostal Christians respectively) to compare their responses to
sermons, and the sermon features and themes they prefer. The results revealed
higher sermon effectiveness responses from Elim participants. The data also
showed that Anglicans desired significant intellectual content and discussion of
social issues compared with Elim members who gave higher ratings on almost
all other features and themes. However, participants from both churches
responded to sermons in a predominantly emotional (rather than cognitive or
behavioural) way, and most wanted to hear sermons on grace and forgiveness.
We conclude by noting the need for evaluations of sermon effectiveness that
reflect preachers’ and listeners’ motivations.
Research Interests:
This paper offers a psychodynamic interpretation of descriptions of the visions of 112 Pentecostal and Charismatic Christians. Interviews and questionnaires were used to gather the data. The responses included experiences of visual and... more
This paper offers a psychodynamic interpretation of descriptions of the visions of 112 Pentecostal and Charismatic Christians. Interviews and questionnaires were used to gather the data. The responses included experiences of visual and auditory perceptions and strong feelings of an immaterial presence. Almost one third of the visual and auditory perceptions were of Jesus. There were strong gender differences in the narratives, with women tending to describe interactive, nurturing and intercessory visions, infused with images of suffering and consolation, while men's visions often related to powerful forces and danger. The analysis shows evidence of subconscious uprisings of suppressed material, projections mirroring the respondents' psyches, wish fulfillment, and externalizations of the participants' ideals. I suggest that visions reflect the fusion of the participants' personal narratives and social roles with altered states of consciousness. The findings are consistent with the continuity hypothesis in psychological studies of dreaming (that waking-life gender differences carry over into dreams) and indicate this hypothesis can be extended to include visions.
Research Interests:
"This article examines the prevalence of altered states of consciousness among Christian tongue speakers and compares it to experiences of glossolalia among meditators in a yoga-based purificatory group called the Golden Light. The... more
"This article examines the prevalence of altered states of consciousness
among Christian tongue speakers and compares it to experiences of glossolalia among
meditators in a yoga-based purificatory group called the Golden Light. The article is
based on close interaction and interviews with participants over an eight-year period.
The results showed that, by self-report, most Pentecostals and Charismatics did not
experience altered states except during the baptism of the Spirit and that those who did
constructed a meaning for their glossolalia. In contrast, all of the meditators described
frequent intense altered states, of which speaking in tongues was an occasional
manifestation. I suggest that there are two types of glossolalia—spontaneous glossolalia
and context-dependent glossolalia—and that the former is more likely to occur in
groups that are radical, experiential, and charismatically led."
among Christian tongue speakers and compares it to experiences of glossolalia among
meditators in a yoga-based purificatory group called the Golden Light. The article is
based on close interaction and interviews with participants over an eight-year period.
The results showed that, by self-report, most Pentecostals and Charismatics did not
experience altered states except during the baptism of the Spirit and that those who did
constructed a meaning for their glossolalia. In contrast, all of the meditators described
frequent intense altered states, of which speaking in tongues was an occasional
manifestation. I suggest that there are two types of glossolalia—spontaneous glossolalia
and context-dependent glossolalia—and that the former is more likely to occur in
groups that are radical, experiential, and charismatically led."
Research Interests:
This paper presents the ideas and experiences of three doctoral candidates who were doing their PhDs in Aotearoa New Zealand when the pandemic struck. The material is based on a doctoral student panel discussion at the International... more
This paper presents the ideas and experiences of three doctoral candidates who were doing their PhDs in Aotearoa New Zealand when the pandemic struck. The material is based on a doctoral student panel discussion at the International Federation of National Teaching Fellows (IFNTF) symposathon in 2022. The open conversation leans towards Pelias's (2004) methodology of the heart and includes recollections of isolation, lack of money and changed research plans, mixed with empathy, silver linings, and suggestions for supervisors. A key message is that pandemic obstacles enhanced the doctoral candidates' scientific abilities, thereby making them more confident, resilient scientists.
Research Interests:
We live in a society that highly values the written word, one that has long associated literacy with being civilized. Writing shapes our perception; it empowers us to share our perspective with others, and is a vital part of persuasion.... more
We live in a society that highly values the written word, one that has long associated literacy with being civilized. Writing shapes our perception; it empowers us to share our perspective with others, and is a vital part of persuasion. An old story of a little boy questioning his mother illustrates this: "Mummy," the boy asks, "How did Tarzan kill
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
When I was invited to speak to you today, one of the first things that jumped into my head was a cartoon strip I saw in a student magazine in my first year at University. The first scene showed a young, bright-eyed student... more
When I was invited to speak to you today, one of the first things that jumped into my head was a cartoon strip I saw in a student magazine in my first year at University. The first scene showed a young, bright-eyed student saying,'Gee, University is fun.'The second picture ...
Research Interests:
As a little black girl Brenda Allen learnt how to internalise oppression by singing with her friends, When you're white, you're right; when you're brown, stick around; but when you're black, oooh baby, get back, get... more
As a little black girl Brenda Allen learnt how to internalise oppression by singing with her friends, When you're white, you're right; when you're brown, stick around; but when you're black, oooh baby, get back, get back, get back. Today, as Associate Professor at the ...
Research Interests:
... Volume 14 Issue 1 (Apr 2008). Words That Move Public Opinion [Book Review]. Kavan, Heather (Reviewed by) 1. Full Text PDF (127kb). To cite this article: Kavan, Heather. ... [cited 28 Sep 10]. Personal Author: Kavan, Heather. Source:... more
... Volume 14 Issue 1 (Apr 2008). Words That Move Public Opinion [Book Review]. Kavan, Heather (Reviewed by) 1. Full Text PDF (127kb). To cite this article: Kavan, Heather. ... [cited 28 Sep 10]. Personal Author: Kavan, Heather. Source: Pacific Journalism Review, Vol. 14, No. ...
... Volume 14 Issue 2 (Sept 2008). Exposing Both Minefields and Muddles [Book Review]. Kavan, Heather (Reviewed by) 1. Full Text PDF (987kb). To cite this article: Kavan, Heather. ... [cited 18 Sep 10]. Personal Author: Kavan, Heather.... more
... Volume 14 Issue 2 (Sept 2008). Exposing Both Minefields and Muddles [Book Review]. Kavan, Heather (Reviewed by) 1. Full Text PDF (987kb). To cite this article: Kavan, Heather. ... [cited 18 Sep 10]. Personal Author: Kavan, Heather. Source: Pacific Journalism Review, Vol. 14, No ...
Compassionate Capitalism (not to be confused with George Bush's compassionate conservatism) is a call to the managers to give back to the communities they profit from, both locally and abroad. Chief author Benioff is the CEO and... more
Compassionate Capitalism (not to be confused with George Bush's compassionate conservatism) is a call to the managers to give back to the communities they profit from, both locally and abroad. Chief author Benioff is the CEO and Chairperson of Salesforce.com, ...
Research Interests:
Siddiqui is the author of four management books, most notably The Brave New Manager that won the 1996 All India Management Association's Best Management Book Award. He has 30 years of managing experience. He does not explicitly say... more
Siddiqui is the author of four management books, most notably The Brave New Manager that won the 1996 All India Management Association's Best Management Book Award. He has 30 years of managing experience. He does not explicitly say what spiritual path he belongs ...
Research Interests:
Summoning the Spirits is ‘highly recommended’ (Harms, 2012) and described as ‘high quality’, ‘valuable’, ‘a source of inspiration for those seeking ideas for new research directions’, as well as ‘thorough’, ‘wide-ranging’ and ‘compelling’... more
Summoning the Spirits is ‘highly recommended’ (Harms, 2012) and described as ‘high quality’, ‘valuable’, ‘a source of inspiration for those seeking ideas for new research directions’, as well as ‘thorough’, ‘wide-ranging’ and ‘compelling’ (Kavan, 2013).
Research Interests:
II ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS IV LIST OF FIGURES X LIST OF TABLES X ATTESTATION OF AUTHORSHIP XI BIOGRAPHY XII CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION 13 1.1 KAIZEN AND ITS INTERPRETATION IN THE ANGLOSPHERE 13 1.2 EMERGENCE OF THE QUALITY MOVEMENT 15 1.2.1 Genba... more
II ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS IV LIST OF FIGURES X LIST OF TABLES X ATTESTATION OF AUTHORSHIP XI BIOGRAPHY XII CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION 13 1.1 KAIZEN AND ITS INTERPRETATION IN THE ANGLOSPHERE 13 1.2 EMERGENCE OF THE QUALITY MOVEMENT 15 1.2.1 Genba is All 16 1.2.2 Kaizen Diffusion 16 1.2.3 Intergenerational Diffusion of Kaizen 17 1.2.4 Kaizen Drift 18 1.3 RESEARCH QUESTIONS 18 1.4 OVERVIEW OF RESEARCH METHOD 20 1.5 THESIS OUTLINE 22 1.6 DEFINITIONS 23 CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW 29 2.
Research Interests:
Purpose As employees in the lower ranks of a Japanese company advance through the levels of management and seniority their role in day-to-day kaizen activities shifts from that of directly improving their own job, operations and... more
Purpose As employees in the lower ranks of a Japanese company advance through the levels of management and seniority their role in day-to-day kaizen activities shifts from that of directly improving their own job, operations and surroundings to guiding, educating and facilitating understanding and practice. The emphasis of kaizen to the employee during career progression changes in an embedded, sequential and predictable manner. To a new employee, kaizen is a process to be implemented, something that is visible and largely provided through company training and job manuals, while not necessarily being fully understood. To the senior manager, however, one who has advanced up the corporate ladder, kaizen is tacit knowledge and accumulated experiences, and is seen as being more than just reducing costs, increasing productivity and decreasing lead times. At this point, kaizen becomes something invisible, something that can produce real influence on both the company’s profitability and th...