Writing
The abstract from the thesis follows on this page should you wish to read it before downloading the complete thesis.
This document represents the final submission for a Master of Science Degree.
Using a heuristic research process (where the researcher's own thoughts and feelings inform her on the chosen topic and combine with data from outside sources), the author examines the phenomenon of personal presence. This examination is undertaken with focus on the presence development needs of those working in the field of change. Such individuals may be teachers, doctors, counsellors, facilitators, leaders in commerce and industry, parents: anyone who is attempting to grow people and processes, or improve situations.
The author begun her work by inquiring into the nature of presence: what is it; is it about learned behaviours; is it 'teachable', or is it present and unalterable from birth and therefore not 'developable'?
Jan Storey has worked with co-researchers through questionnaires, groupwork and one-to-one interviews to help gather her data. She examines current literature sources and examines these critically on the criteria of accessibility and readability.
The information in this document is represented in text, illustration, poetry, and live interview material. It is a study that raises as many questions as it attempts to give answers to, and the author would welcome comment from, and discussion with, others interested in her field of research.