Schutz's Theory of Interpersonal Relationships

Paper Summary:

This paper analyzes William Schutz's theory of of fundamental interpersonal relations orientation (FIRO). It describes how FIRO holds that interpersonal needs can be divided into the need for inclusion, control and affection. The paper specifically focuses on the way that the writer's experiences in the workplace can be related to Schutz's FIRO theory.

Table of Contents:
FIRO In The Professional Work Situation
Team Member Roles and Responsibilities
Participation, Leadership, Motivation
Perspective

From the Paper:

"Firstly, one of the FIRO elements in my needs list is the need to exercise control. My need to exert and receive affection is subordinate to my need for inclusion. I therefore feel that each team member is responsible for his or her own contribution not only to the workload, but also to the team dynamic. I now see how this sort of thinking was dismissive of others' FIRO paradigms, and that I expected others to follow my way of thinking without letting them know what this kind of thinking was. Furthermore, I was not in a position to take leadership, as my team leader required me to function within a specific set of guidelines, which did not include leadership. All this changed when we were assessed in terms of our FIRO compatibility with each other and the various tasks we were expected to complete. It was decided to create one experimental group to determine the material difference that such a change would make. We wanted to determine whether it was worth our time and effort to make the elaborate changes needed to incorporate Schutz's theory at our workplace."

Sample of Sources Used:

• High Performing Systems, Inc. (2007) FIRO2. http://hpsys.com/FIRO2.htm
• Griffin, Em (1991). A First Look at Communication Theory: FIRO Theory of Needs. McGraw-Hill, Inc. http://www.afirstlook.com/archive/firo.cfm?source=archther
• Liddell, William W. and Slocum, John W. (1959, Summer) The Effects of Individual-Role Compatibility Upon Group Performance: An Extension of Schutz's FIRO Theory. The Academy of Management Journal. 19 (3). Database: JStor. http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0001-4273%28197609%2919%3A3%3C413%3ATEOICU%3E2.0.CO%3B2-2

More papers on Schutz's Theory of Interpersonal Relationships:

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• Research Paper # 108073 : "Instant Messaging and Interpersonal Relationships"

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