Human Behavior
Dr. William Glasser

Control Theory
Harper and Row, Publishers
New York, New York

Choice Theory
HarperCollins, Publishers
New York, New York

Dr. Glasser states, "Absent mental impairment, human behavior is a matter of choice."

Organizations do not consist of brick and mortar; they consist of human beings and their relationships. Understanding human behavior is a prerequisite to leadership. Dr. Glasser proposed that human behavior consists of a very few components. The physiological and feeling components are involuntary. The thinking and doing components are under our direct control. Human behavior is driven by a core of basic needs:

• The need for power is seen in our desire to exert ourselves over others, our environment or the task at hand.
• The need to belong is seen in our desire to be liked, loved and accepted. ·
• The need for freedom is seen in our desire to express our thoughts and make choices about our lives.
• The need to experience fun is seen in the joy we find in simple play and the relationships that bring us pleasure.