About handing in my master thesis - Acts that influence Consensus - a study on speech acts that individuals use to influence consensus

The beginning of my Latin experience became the end of writing master thesis experience. I wrote together with a dear friend of mine, Aron Lindberg and looking back at the process, it was painful at times, but in the end we really managed to hand it a paper worth putting our names on. We involved many people in the writing process and we received their harsh feedback and encouragement with gratitude and it really help lifting the thesis. For everyone contributing to the thesis, weather you know it or not, thank you very much!

Below, find the abstract: Acts that influence Consensus - a study on speech acts that individuals use to influence consensus

Groupthink and peer pressure are phenomena involving consensus that influence individuals to act against the best of their knowledge. The bankruptcy of Enron in 2001 is an example of the consequences of groupthink and peer pressure. Through understanding how individuals contribute to the creation of consensus, individuals are enabled to take responsibility for their contribution to social phenomena. A theoretical framework consisting of theory on mental models, dialogue and communicative action is developed in order enable analysis of empirical data using perspectives that are supported by previous research. A focus group with AIESEC Sweden's management team, which was conducted to ground our research in empirical data, is described. The focus group transcription is analyzed through qualitative content analysis and application of the theoretical framework. Seven (7) categories of speech acts are identified and analyzed according to which modes of dialogue they involve: externalization and/or combination. The speech acts that constitute each category are interpreted as either communicative or strategic action, using Habermas' distinction. This study strengthens the case for intentionally designed dialogue processes through which individuals can emancipate themselves from social structures imposed on them. Further research is recommended on specific principles and processes of dialogue that enable communicative action.

After minor adjustments the thesis will soon be available here.