How is Element B related to FIRO-B?
The original version of the instrument was called FIRO-B. It was created for research purposes in the U.S. Navy (click here for history [link to History page]. Years of experience with the instrument led Schutz to recognize how the theory and the instrument could be improved and used in a much greater variety of ways. In addition, Schutz had never provided any interpretive material because the instrument was created only for research and the interpretations that were created by others did not reflect his philosophy and interpretation.
In the early 1980s, he revised and expanded both FIRO theory and the instrument to improve theoretical underpinnings and to optimize the instrument for training purposes (see Evolution of FIRO-B to Element B [link to Evolution of FIRO-B to Element B pdf]). The changes included updating the original dimension of Affection to Openness, expanding the amount of information provided, and adding the concept of Difference scores—a measure of satisfaction.
What do the Elements of Awareness measure?
Element F: Feelings measures preferences in the areas of Significance, Competence, and Likability in relationships.
Element S: Self-Concept measures self-concept in three areas of behavior (aliveness, self-determination, self-awareness) and three areas of feelings (self-significance, self-competence, self-like).
Element E: Self-Esteem helps to uncover areas that contribute to low self-esteem and to explore the payoffs for low self-esteem. It reveals where blocks are, suggests how to remove them, and provides ideas for increasing self-esteem.
Element W: Work Relations provides a non-threatening framework for assessing and improving two-person work relationships, especially useful for long-term relationships between two people who share common goals. It measures satisfaction in the relationship in the areas of inclusion, control, openness, significance, competence, and likability.
Element T: Openness (Truth) provides a structure, using progressively deeper levels of truth and openness, for an individual to explore a particularly difficult relationship.
Element O: Organizational Climate provides measures of satisfaction within an organization in the areas of inclusion, control, openness, significance, competence, and likability. Each measure is provided for the organization as a whole, and for teams, relationships, and individuals. The instrument can also be used to evaluate the effects of any organizational change.
Does Element B measure my type? Does it measure fixed traits?
No, Element B measures your preferences for behavior with other people. There are no good or bad or right or wrong results. Your preferences can and may change over time.
Can Element B be used for selection?
No, Element B should in no case be used to hire or fire people.
Where can I get psychometric information on Element B?
Beyond FIRO-B—Three New Theory-Derived Measures—Element B: Behavior, Element F: Feelings: Element S: Self [link to appropriate page on store for this item]
How does Element B compare to other instruments?
Element B: Behavior™ and Psychological Type [link to pdf]
Element B and MBTI® Linkage
FIRO Theory: 50 Years of Emotional intelligence [link to pdf]