Assertiveness at Work: A Norm for Work Relationships in Democratic Societies and Market Economies

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Gripton, James | Valentich, Mary

Affiliations: Faculty of Social Work, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive N.W., Calgary, Alberta, T2N 1N4, Canada

Abstract: This article proposes that assertiveness be considered as a norm for employees in work settings in Eastern Europe that are undergoing democratization and a shift to market economies. A cognitive-behavioral approach to assertiveness is presented, with attention to the rights of individuals at work. Verbal and non-verbal components of assertiveness are discussed, as well as considerations for training of employees in Eastern Europe. Transfer of assertiveness technology requires cultural sensitivity to conditions which may not yet be conducive to promotion of individual career interests as well as organizational goals.

Keywords: Assertiveness at work, workers' rights, Eastern Europe, market economies, cognitive-behavioral approach, irrational ideas, assertiveness training

DOI: 10.3233/HSM-1993-12307

Journal: Human Systems Management, vol. 12, no. 3, pp. 217-226, 1993