The basic concept underlying the Model (Figure 1) is called "Dimensional^®" because it is created by two intersecting lines, or dimensions. The vertical dimension descends from "assertive" to "passive." The horizontal dimension stretches, left to right, from "unresponsive" to "responsive." These four characteristics of behavior are those which research has discovered to be the most important in explaining how people in organizations interact with each other.

Characteristics of Behavior

The four basic characteristics of behavior are defined as follows:

Assertive — Exercising control or influence; making things happen. People showing assertive behavior are forceful and dynamic, pushing forward ideas, trying to influence the way others think and act. They take charge, guide, lead, and prompt other people to action.

Passive — Inactively letting things happen. People showing passive behavior tend to follow rather than lead and to submit to other people's ideas rather than trying to win them over to their ideas. They're ready to comply, quick to give in, and reluctant even to try to influence others.

Unresponsive — Lacking regard for other people, their needs, and their ideas. People showing unresponsive behavior tend to care only about themselves and to be insensitive to other people.

Responsive — Being sensitive to other people and their needs. People showing responsive behavior tend to be open and warm and to care about the people with whom they interact.

Combination of Characteristics

It's important to understand that no one ever behaves in just one of these four ways. There are as many types of behavior as there are people. Behavior is complex, never one-dimensional.