Challenges of the Knowledge Society (Jun 2022)
THE URGENCY OF ASSERTIVENESS IN A GLOBAL WORLD
Abstract
This paper is a plea for learning and practicing assertive behavior in all areas of social life. First of all, it aims to clarify the notion of assertiveness and to delimit the assertive behavior from the aggressive and passive one. One argues for the need to use assertive behavior on a large scale, highlighting the benefits it brings to the individual and society. Practicing assertiveness helps individuals to understand themselves more easily, to understand others better, to resolve conflicts more quickly, and to eliminate the negative stress that comes with it. Being a form of communication, which is direct, open, respectful and honest, assertiveness inhibits defense mechanisms and distortions, being an effective way to communicate and resolve interindividual and social differences. The paper starts from the hypothesis that in the former communist societies the socialcivic dialogue is still precarious and insufficient and therefore, the need to learn and practice assertiveness becomes more pressing. Democratic ‘construction’ can only be achieved with socially-politically competent citizens (elites and masses alike), as assertiveness occupies a central place among socio-political competences. This paper also makes a concise portrait of the assertive person. Finally, the main ways to achieve an assertive management and its effects on organizational efficiency are explored.
