FIRO-B

The Fundamental Interpersonal

Relationships-Behavior
 In 1958, Dr. Will Schutz formally
introduced a theory of interpersonal
relations called FIRO
(Fundamental Interpersonal Relations
Orientation).
Originally developed in the 1950s to
predict how military personnel would
work together in groups
 FIRO theory posits that:
Self-concept drives feelings,
Feelings drive behaviour, and
Behaviour drives results.
FIRO theory provides the foundation for
understanding how to develop sustainable, high-
trust, collaborative relationships. Behaviour is
motivated by self-concept, which develops at the
very core of our being. Our self-concept
represents how we feel about ourselves, and how
we feel about ourselves informs how we feel
about others. These self-feelings correspond at
the interpersonal feeling level with our desire to
feel significant, competent and likable.
 FIRO-B
Inclusion
Control
Affection
 Expressed and Wanted
Inclusion Control Affection

Expressed Expressed Expressed Expressed

Behavior Inclusion Control Affection

Wanted Wanted Wanted Wanted

Behavior Inclusion Control Affection
 Inclusion
Expressed Behavior
I make efforts to include other people in
my activities and to get them to include
me in theirs. I try to belong, to join
social groups, and to be with people as
much as possible.
 Inclusion
Wanted Behavior
I want other people to include me in
their activities and to invite me to
belong, even if I do not make an effort
to be included.
 Control
Expressed Behavior
I try to exert control and influence over
things. I take charge of things and tell
other people what to do.
 Control
Wanted Behavior
I want others to control and influence
me. I want other people to tell me what
to do.
 Affection
Expressed Behavior
I make efforts to become close to
people. I express friendly and
affectionate feelings and try to be
personal and intimate.
 Affection
Wanted Behavior
I want others to express friendly and
affectionate feelings toward me and to
try to become close to me.
 Need for Inclusion

1.Under social -- introverted,

withdrawn; not take risk of being
ignored.
2.Over social -- extroverted, outgoing;
fear no one interested in him, but
makes them pay attention anyway.
3.Social -- successful resolution of
inclusion anxiety in childhood.
 Need for Control

1.Abdicate -- submission and abdication of

power; feel incapable of responsible adult
behaviour and that others know it.
2.Autocrat -- domination, power seeking; feels
same as above, but uses every opportunity to
disprove it to the self and others.
3.Democrat -- successful resolution of power
and control in childhood; comfortable in giving
and taking orders; feels capable and
responsible.
 Need for Affection

1.Underpersonal -- strong need for affection,

strong concern about being loved and being
loveable; avoid close personal ties; fear
rejection and so avoid people.
2.Overpersonal -- same fear as above, but deal
with it by becoming very close with others.
3.Personal -- resolve affection need in
childhood; comfortable with closeness and
with distance; knows dislike does not mean
unlovable
RECIPROCAL COMPATIBILITY (RC)

RC = | Ae - Bw | + | Be - Aw |

for each of the Inclusion, Control & Affection areas

6 and above - INCOMPATIBILITY
 Role associated with highest
expressed score:
Inclusion: Clarifier integrates,
summarizes, clarifies, creates ways for
everyone to participate
Control: Director mindful of tasks and
time, directs action, suggests closure,
guides assignments, offers structure
Affection: Encourager mediates
conflict, identifies energy and resistance
levels, promotes intimacy and
engagement, harmonizes
Interpersonal Styles
FIRO B
 Scores Continued
6-7 are high scores; the behavior will
be noticeable characteristic of the
person.
8-9 are very high scores; the
behavior will be strongly
characteristic of the person.
 Build and Maintain Effective
Relationships
A person with matched with a person with
High Expressed In High Wanted In
Low Expressed In Low Wanted In
High Expressed Co High Wanted Co
Low Expressed Co Low Wanted Co
High Expressed Aff High Wanted Aff
Low Expressed Aff Low Wanted Aff
 High Expectations
Inclusion Control Affection

Expressed
Behavior
0 0 0

Wanted
Behavior
9 9 9
 The Rock
Inclusion Control Affection

Expressed
Behavior
0 0 0

Wanted
Behavior
0 0 0
 Controller
Inclusion Control Affection

Expressed
Behavior
0 9 0

Wanted
Behavior
0 0 0
 Party Time
Inclusion Control Affection

Expressed
Behavior 9 0 9

Wanted
Behavior 9 0 9