Thesis (Ph. D.)--UCLA, 2007. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 243-258).

This study looks into the intricacies of long-distance romantic relationships and the ways in which intimacy is created and nurtured with the help of technology and digital media platforms. It uses a methodological triangulation, combining quantitative content analysis with qualitative interviews, as tools to investigate the doings of couples who find themselves geographically challenged. The results point out to the fact that people adapt to these  circumstances and use technology as a third player of the relationship, creating and maintaining intimacy mainly through conversations and stepping away from the physical side of a romantic relationship.

Business leaders lack transformational leadership strategies to promote the use of digital communication in the electricity supply industry. The purpose of this multiple case study was to explore transformational leadership strategies to promote the use of digital communication to mitigate electricity-related shutdowns and other electricity-related product recalls. The conceptual framework for this study aligns with general systems theory. The participants recruited in the study were business leaders, key account electricity consumers, and electricity consumers located in Johannesburg, South Africa. The rationale for the target population was their success in implementing transformational leadership strategies to promote the use of digital communication to mitigate the risk of electricity-related shutdowns. Data collection included semistructured interviews, direct observations with 14 participants, archival records/materials, and documents. Saldana's sequence of coding and data analysis technique using thematic coding and content analysis were used to determine specific themes and patterns derived from the 3 data sources. Based on methodological triangulation, 4 emergent themes evolved: business sustainability, digital media, electricity-related product recall crisis, and leadership efficacy that would assist leaders in growing a sustainable business in the electricity supply industry. The results of this study may contribute to positive social change by providing leaders with transformational leadership strategies for embracing digital media to ensure the industry's sustainability. This in turn would encourage improved economic activity, broad-based black economic empowerment, investments in health, education, environmental issues, and business opportunities for small businesses.