Explorations in Interpersonal Competence—II

Abstract

Part I A set of categories is presented designed to measure interpersonal competence. The primary plus categories on the individual and interpersonal levels are owning up to, openness, and risk taking. On the norms level they are individuality, concern, and trust. The primary minus categories on the individual and interpersonal levels are not owning up to, not being open, and rejecting risk taking. On the norms level they are conformity, antagonism, and mistrust. Exploratory research suggests that the categories can be used (1) with an encouraging degree of reliability, (2) with an encouraging degree of predictive validity, and (3) as the basis to describe increases or decreases in individual and group competence during T-Group and other training. Part II The categories are used as a basis to evaluate the relative effectiveness of lecture versus laboratory education in the subject areas of interpersonal relationships and group dynamics. The study suggests that processes are generated in the lecture approach similar to those which create difficulties in backhome groups but without providing opportunity to explore these processes in a way that might confront participants with inconsistencies between rational analysis and actual behavior. The data suggest that a laboratory approach, with its emphasis upon such exploration and confrontation, seems to produce more behavioral change.