Dimension 5:  Managing Resources

We are often in situations in which we control resources that others want — funds we could give, an opportunity we could provide, a favor we could do, etc.— and we have the choice either to give or to withhold.  Sometimes we are flexible in the way we manage resources, at times giving and at times withholding.

Sometimes, however, we get stuck on GIVING (whenever others want what we have, our tendency is to give); and sometimes we get stuck on WITHHOLDING (whenever others want what we have, our tendency is to withhold).

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When we are STUCK ON GIVING, we are reluctant to say “no” to others.  Sometimes we give up resources—provide funds, give our services, do favors, and so forth—even when we don’t want to and even when we would prefer to say no.  And sometimes we give up resources because we feel that’s the right way for us to be, because we don’t believe in saying no.

On a scale of 1 (not at all) to 7 (very characteristic), to what extent do you feel that GIVING characterizes your pattern of organizational behavior?
                                    (Choose and note an appropriate number)                      ____

When we are STUCK ON WITHHOLDING, we are reluctant to say “yes” to others. Sometimes we tend to withhold because we feel we’re being taken advantage of by others.  And sometimes we withhold because we feel that’s the right way for us to be, that withholding strengthens others, helps them become more independent, and helps them develop greater initiative.

On the same 7-point scale, to what extent do you feel that WITHHOLDING characterizes your pattern of organizational behavior?
                                    (Choose and note an appropriate number)                      ____