APA Dictionary of Psychology

a self-report inventory to assess a person’s interactional needs in a group setting. It evaluates both expressed (demonstrated to others) and wanted (desired from others) dimensions for each of three fundamental social needs—affection, control, and inclusion—via statements that the respondent grades from 0 to 9, with larger numbers reflecting greater importance of the characteristic. Initially developed in 1958 by U.S. psychologist William C. Schutz (1925–2002), the FIRO–B was revised a few decades later to reflect modifications of the fundamental interpersonal relations orientation theory upon which it is based. Both the revised version, called FIRO Element B, and the original version of the tool are widely used in management training, leadership development, and other areas. A version of the instrument for children aged 9 to 13 years (FIRO–BC) has been created as well.