Exploring Openness: FIRO Theory Element B Insights
As this three-dimensional theory had undergone such extensive review and refinement, with so wide variety new instruments and significant advancements as a result of Jack Black (founder of CPP and publisher of FIRO-B), these measures were renamed by him under their new moniker as Human Element practitioners of Awareness since 1984 (Schutz, 1994). Since then, they have been utilized by Schutz, his collaborators, and others in the United States and over twelve other nations (Schutz, 1994).
In 1958, Schutz created the FIRO-B measures to evaluate interpersonal interaction between people for research purposes. When he witnessed its widespread usage after its public release, he designed new instrument with scales more suited for general usage than his original model.
Element Bshould provides feedback on six behavioral dimensions of basic dimensions of interpersonal behavioral aspects. In contrast, the original, FIRO-B instrument, FIRO-B Tool provided feedback only on three. Element B added twelve additional measures which “filled in” any gaps left by its predecessor measurement its effective team building tool while providing one answer scale rather than flipping between two, simplified phrasing, improved scale integrity, specified what people want in each of these areas rather than what was done or obtained and measured their satisfaction with those actions taken by individuals.
The three primary layers of FIRO theory are behavior, feelings, and self-concept. Element B of FIRO deals with behavior in three interpersonal content areas — inclusion, control, and Openness (Affection was replaced with Openness as it better fits emotionally; FIROWill Schutz, 1992). The goal of inclusion is to have as much depth of interaction between individuals as possible — those who appreciate more inclusion may enjoy participating in group activities more frequently and are likely to start conversations with strangers more readily; others prefer spending their time alone instead — each person differing in how they prefer spending their time.
Control issues is about attaining power control over people. While some individuals feel more at ease when in control, enjoying issuing instructions and making decisions for themselves and others, others prefer being led. Even those who prefer being controlled often prefer settings where others clearly outline their obligations. Every human behavior has desires to control others as well and to be controlled by themselves.
The third component is to establish the ideal level of Openness. Some individuals prefer partnerships where they may express their true feelings and opinions freely, with at least one trusted confidante available; others might choose not to disclose personal matters with others and prefer acquaintances over close Interpersonal Relations there are interpersonal relationships to keep things impersonal and professional. While all human relationships need Openness in some form, not every partnership requires open difficult relationships which needs to improvingtwo-person work relationships as much.
There are twelve main scales wherein concept of difference scores ranging from zero to nine can be assigned; additionally, six other subscales compare what I do with what I want to be done or between what I receive and what is desired; these provide more subtle distinctions (Figure 1). Feedback matrix with fictional scores As a working hypothesis, we might expect the compatibility between individual in question to have only close friendships, prefer working independently rather than co-ordinating work between several colleagues, prefer dominating feedback from people more than desired, and be dominated too frequently; these assumptions would then be further explored during feedback session with practitioners and clients alike. At the same time, space does not permit further analysis here.
Schutz asserts unequivocally that all FIRO Element scores (including Element B: B1) represent valid results.
- Change can and often occurs after these decisions have been made; irreparable damage cannot result.
- Dynamics of Individual perception rather than statistics often determine meaning.
- These articles serve only as starting points for further inquiry and growth; they should be treated as something other than definitive sources.
- Be wary of supporting typology.
- Believe that any part of your behavior that displeases you can be modified if given enough time and instruction to change.
