Persuasion and Communication in Jonestown Management Coursework

Persuasion and Communication in Jonestown
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Jonestown Massacre
Look for examples of the following. Where do you see evidence of these social influence processes taking place?
Persuasion: The process of guiding oneself or another toward the adoption of some attitude.
Reciprocation:
Jonestown was described as beautiful and ahead of its time institution which provided for the needs and requests of its people. During the time when racism was rampant, this place was seen as a safe haven which added to the appeal. Followers felt that they were personally cared for. With these things that the followers are able to benefit and felt, they are persuaded with reciprocation to follow Jim Jones.
Commitment and Consistency:
At first, Jim Jones started to involve a person by small favors with minimal to no commitment at all, and then he increases the involvement from simple mailing to other tasks which requires more effort and time. This makes the person feel that it is no harm at all since it is voluntarily given but unknowingly this is a form of persuasion to include oneself to the congregation. He also included some form of initiation for his followers to be invested in Jonestown.
Consensus/Social Proof:
Jim Jones has used other people for his own self-interest and to be able to improve his public image. These people are commanded to speak good things about the congregation and Jim Jones himself which lures in more people to be followers and also help maintain the obedience of those who are already followers. He used it as a kind of social proof that Jonestown is an ideal place that practices harmony and soc...