Abstract
M. Phil.
The main objective of this research study was to determine whether the Fundamental
Interpersonal Relations Orientation™1 (FIRO) Business instrument was valid for use in the
South African business context. The FIRO Business instrument is a measure of interpersonal
needs. In addition, the relationships between interpersonal needs and satisfaction indicators
were also examined. The study was conducted using factor analysis, and analysis of variance
(ANOVA) with a sample of 405 participants. The results of the study showed that the FIRO
Business instrument is reliable and valid for use within South African organisations. The
overall results showed that the FIRO Business instrument does not contain bias towards
either gender group. Relationships were also observed between interpersonal needs and
Work Satisfaction, indicating that quality interpersonal relationships are important to
individual well-being in the workplace. Influence and Connection needs were found to have
a stronger influence than Involvement on overall levels of satisfaction.