【Article by IMICS】
Jeffry Oktavianus Shares His Expertise in Quantitative Data Analysis and Research on Community Storytelling Networks.

Dr. Jeffry Oktavianus (Ph.D., City University of Hong Kong), a distinguished alumnus of the International Master's Program in International Communication Studies (IMICS) at National Chengchi University (NCCU), gave a talk titled 'Community Storytelling Networks and Empowerment of Migrant Workers: A Communication Infrastructure Approach' and a SPSS workshop to Prof. Trisha Lin's Research Method class on November 28, 2023.

Jeffry, a highly motivated young scholar who once excelled under the supervision of Professor Lin, is currently working as the research assistant professor at Hong Kong Polytechnic University was invited to showcase his proficiency in quantitative data analysis and shared survey research insights, which provided a great opportunity for students to learn from one of the program's most accomplished alumni. Professor Lin, expressing her delight, shared, 'I am really happy that Jeffry was willing to conduct this physical workshop. His presence added an invaluable dimension to this Research Method course to share his academic journey and inspire the students as a good exemplary.'

During the workshop, Jeffry engaged with the current group of IMICS students, and his remarks reflected genuine joy at being back at NCCU. He praised the students for quickly understanding the topics and being excited about doing quantitative research. Jeffry encouraged the students to excel in their academic pursuits, noting, "It gives me confidence that they are on the path to excel in their research. I'm really looking forward to seeing how they develop and grow in their academic journey."

Juyeon, an IMICS student from South Korea, highlighted Jeffry's teaching ability to make the complicated quantitative data analysis to be easily comprehended and to be applied in real research. Juyeon liked Dr. Jeffry's teaching style, stating "he clearly explained from simple descriptive statistics to Chi-Square, ANOVA, and linear regression, and between explanations, we could have hand-on practices.' She further acknowledged the thoughtful structure of the lecture, tailored to the needs of students with varying levels of familiarity with SPSS.

Jeffry's research sharing extended beyond statistical analysis. His study on 'Community Storytelling Networks and Empowerment of Migrant Workers: A Communication Infrastructure Approach' stood out as a highlight, providing students with a real-world application of quantitative research. In conducting this research, Jeffry collected data through a pen-and-paper survey administered to 402 female Indonesian migrant domestic workers in Hong Kong, as most migrant domestic workers have limited access to Internet due to their work environment and restrictions. He applied the communication infrastructure theory (CIT) to illuminate how the storytelling process through various communication channels influences intrapersonal and behavioral empowerment among migrant domestic workers. His research found that community storytelling networks contribute to the provision of social support and both intrapersonal and behavioral empowerment.

Jeffry's return to NCCU not only contributed to the academic growth of the students but also fostered a sense of connection and shared passion within the IMICS family. His willingness to engage in person left an enduring impression on both students and faculty, creating a bridge between the program's past and its promising future.