Premise:
Human beings lie in the continuum from being relatively assertive to being relatively submissive.
Theoretical Constructs
David Mc Celland’s three factor theory implies being egocentric as having the need for power. High egocentric individuals have a high need, want or desire for power and would work themselves into positions of leadership where they can take charge and take control of everyone and everything in their environment. Low egocentric individuals are permissive and prefer to keep a low profile, be a follower and be dependent on others to take charge of their lives.
Abraham Maslow’s Esteem Needs are defined as the need, want and desire for image, status and recognition. Individuals with high esteem needs will chase after position, name and fame while those with low esteem feels small and worthless and think lowly of himself or herself.
Henry Murray in his theory of psychogenic needs implies that egocentric needs are the power needs that tend to centre on the need for independence as well as the need to control others. Murray believed that autonomy was a powerful need involving the desire for independence and resistance. Other key power needs that he identified include abasement (confessing and apologizing), aggression (attacking or ridiculing others), blame avoidance (following the rules and avoiding blame), deference (obeying and cooperating with others) and dominance (controlling others).
Definition
Bernard combines the compatible views of the above psychologists and defines the egocentric dimension as the need, want and desire for power, image, prestige, recognition, dominance and to have control over people and the environment.
Description of the High, In-between and Low Egocentric Personality.
High Egocentric also known as Assertive Type of Personality
People with High Egocentric Type of Personality have a high need for power, image, recognition, prestige and control. They are ambitious and are determined to achieve what they set out to do. They want to take charge of people and things and lead them to their vision and mission. They are a demanding driver. They set high standards for others and will push others forward to achieve their expectations. They have a high self-image. They set high expectations for themselves and have a tremendous amount of self-confidence to achieve their goals. They believe that nothing is impossible if they have the will power to accomplish what they want. They place great value on their prestige, reputation, status, glory and dignity. They want recognition, appreciation and take credit for a job well done. They are vocal and expressive in asserting their ideas. They talk more than they listen and would defend their ideas aggressively in a conflict. They make decisions quickly. They have a natural tendency to control and shape their environment. If things are not going the way they want them to, they have the ability to use their power to put things back their way. They have a tremendous amount of personal power and presence which will act as a force towards achieving their purpose.
In between Egocentric also known as Assertive-Submissive Type of Personality
People with Moderate Egocentric Personality have an average need for power, image and control. They have no preference to lead or to follow. They are comfortable whether or not they take charge of things. They do not want to control others and neither do they want others to control them. They set moderate standards for themselves and work towards their expectations. They strike a balance between talking and listening when they express their opinions or address issues. They take a moderate stance when others disagree with their views. They have a moderate need for self-image. They do not mind doing important or unimportant tasks. They do not purposely chase after power and image, recognition and prestige. They live a moderate life style. They do not want to join the rat race. They do not want to get stressed up climbing up the corporate ladder. They let nature take its course.
Low egocentric also known as Submissive Type of Personality
People with Low Egocentric Type of Personality have a low need for image, power and control. They are not ambitious. They lack the will to get what they want. They are not interested in chasing after power and status. They are easily contented and are comfortable living a simple life. They are indecisive. They find it difficult to make decisions and would happily rely on other people in the decision-making processes. They are receptive to ideas. They listen to others attentively and are able to put them at ease. They are rather permissive. They do not question instructions and would willingly follow them. They submit to the demands of others. They find it difficult to say “no” to others’ request for help. When they do well in their work they do not claim credit. They do not like to push and control others. They are not competitive. They are uncomfortable initiating decisions. They do not want special treatment. They are uncomfortable to be in the limelight. They prefer to follow rather than to lead. They have a low-key profile. They avoid being the center of attention. They avoid interacting with important people and would go to great lengths to avoid an argument. They are humble, gentle and soft in their dealings with others.