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Passive/Defensive Styles

Represent an unduly strong orientation toward people as opposed to tasks, fuelled by and reinforcing individual insecurity. These styles characterise people who subordinate themselves to the organisation but, in the process, end up creating stress for themselves and allowing the organisation to stagnate. Passive/Defensive styles can produce a predictable and secure situation, but at the cost of learning, adaptability and ultimately survival.

3 O'clock Approval

Reflects a need to be accepted and a tendency to tie one's self-worth to being liked by others. People high in this style try very hard to please others, make good impressions and be agreeable and obedient.

4 O'clock Conventional

Reflects a preoccupation with conforming and "blending in" with the environment to avoid calling attention to one's self. People high in this style tend to rely on established routines and procedures, prefer to maintain the status quo and want a secure and predictable work environment.

5 O'clock Dependence

Reflects a need for self-protection coupled with the belief that one has little direct or personal control over important events. People high in this style allow others to make decisions for them, depend on others for help and willingly obey orders—possibly as a result of recent changes in their personal or work lives.

6 O'clock Avoidance

Reflects apprehension, a strong need for self-protection and a propensity to withdraw from threatening situations. People high in this style "play it safe" and minimise risks, shy away from group activities and conversations and react to situations in an indecisive and non-committal way.