Psychometric Correlates of FIRO‐B Scores: Locating the FIRO‐B scores in personality factor space

Abstract

This paper investigated the relationship between the six Fundamental InterpersonalRelations Orientation (FIRO)-B scales, the Big Five Personality traits assessed by the NEO PI-R, the Hogan Development Survey (HDS) and two measures of cognitive ability (Watson Glaser; Graduate and Managerial Assessment). It examined the concurrent and construct validity of the measure in various adult groups attending assessment centres in order to locate the FIRO-B dimensions in established personality factor space. The FIRO-B was consistently correlated with Extraversion, though analysis at the primary factor (facet) level showed many traits from all five factors were strongly correlated with the six FIRO-B scores. Regressing the six FIRO-B facets onto each of the Big Five in turn showed all were significant particularly for Expressed Inclusion and Wanted Control. The second study also showed considerable and logical overlap between the six FIRO-B scales and the 11 dysfunctional personality strategies as measured by the HDS. There were also strong correlational patterns for the Cautious, Reserved, Colourful and Dutiful type disorders. The third study showed the FIRO-B was statistically associated with both cognitive ability tests though it only accounted for small percentages of the explained variance. Expressed Control was the most consistently correlated of the intelligence test scores. Despite the fact that many explicable associations were found between the FIRO-B and other measure the effect sizes were not large. Thus only 4% of the trait facet scores and 4.5% of the HDS showed medium effect sizes. Results are discussed in terms of the usefulness and possible discriminant validity of the instrument for use in selection and assessment.

A Social Withdrawal Component in Schutz’s FIRO Model of Interpersonal Personality: Social Engagement, Control and Social Withdrawal

“…More recently, Furnham (2008) similarly reports a two rather Interpersona | An International Journal on Personal Relationships interpersona. psychopen.eu | 1981-6472 than three factor solution; a structure supported by the pattern of correlations he reports with The Big Five intrapersonal personality measure (Costa & McCrae, 1992).…”

“…However, a number of recent studies have questioned the construct validity of the FIRO, especially with regard to the distinctness of Schutz's Affection (Openness) and Inclusion components (Dancer & Woods, 2006;Furnham, 2008;Hurley, 1992;Macrosson, 2000;Mahoney & Stasson, 2005). Mahoney and Stasson, for example, report correlations of r = .65 between Expressed Inclusion and Expressed Affection, leading them to conclude that two dimensions of Dominance (Control) and Socio-Emotional Affect (Inclusion and Affection) underpin the FIRO-B.…”

Cross-cultural adjustment and fundamental interpersonal relations orientation behaviour (FIRO-B)

“…Unsurprisingly it is positively associated with extraversion and facets of agreeableness (Furnham, 2008 …”

“…Unsurprisingly, extraversion is positively associated with both expressed and wanted inclusion (Furnham, 2008). Expatriates with greater motivation to integrate into the new culture would be expected to more readily initiate contact with HCNs and as a consequence experience greater levels of adjustment.…”

“…Extraversion has been shown to be positively associated with expressed control but has no relationship with wanted control (Furnham, 2008).…”