Basic i*f*a* (EcRcUc)

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This is the most common of all 64 basic clusters, even though it is the most tension producing adaptation of the primitive ERU orientation. There are many similarities between i*f*a* and ef*a*; the primary difference is that the i*f*a* has mental-intellectual disciplines and can, thus,be more independent and self-sufficient than the ef*a*. [EuRcUc] The i*f*a* is a rational, objective, socially responsible, self-reliant person who has a strong sense of responsibility and actively seeks to apply this responsibility in work habits, ethical, and moral attitudes, and leadership roles.

In general, the i*f*a* is highly motivated, profoundly responsible, and markedly ambitious. He feels that he has overcome his initial intellectual inferiority (I*), that he has controlled his tendency to be self-centered (f*), and that he has learned to play a social role that is appropriate, adequate, and comfortable (a*). What he does not recognize is that he may overestimate his intellectual adequacy; he may feel that being intellectually competent is enough. This may cause others to judge him as dogmatic and arbitrary. Moreover, his social role may be stereotyped and over conventional; since he lacks social versatility, he may appear to many as pompous and unbending. The primary problem of the i*f*a* is that he cannot recognize the difference between what he means to be and what he appears to be. Thus, when he is accused of being arbitrary, he vehemently denies this because he feels that he is not. In most instances, the i*f*a* will project against the accuser "That man is a liar and a hypocrite. He knows that I am not arbitrary. Either he is stupid, or he has some deceptive purpose for accusing me." In spite of being one of the most effective and productive of all the adjustments, it is also one of the least insightful. The i*f*a* feels comfortable; he not only has very little need or desire to be introspective, he reacts very strongly and negatively toward anyone who tries to force him in that direction. He feels that self-evaluation is a sign of weakness because it may undermine the confidence and discipline necessary for proper functioning. The i*f*a* and i*f*a [EcRcAu] are similar in some ways, but the i*f*a [EcRcAu] has less need to be suspicious and defensive in social-interpersonal relationships. Both are self-confident and independent, but the i*f*a* is inclined to be both more competitive and more jealous about, and vindictive toward, the success of others.

Many kinds of highly successful people come from this cluster; military officers, business executives, and professional people such as corporation lawyers and certain kinds of accountants are quite common. All share the primary characteristic of extreme conventionality coupled with suspicion of, and hostility toward, any type of change or uniqueness. The i*f*a [EcRcAu] will accept changes if dictated by properly constituted authority, but the i*f*a* will be suspicious and wary of any authority figure who advocates change. In many instances, however, the authority figures that influence and control the i*f*a* come from the i*f*a* cluster.

Because of his suspicion of "personality" and "impression", the i*f*a* ,puts great reliance on diplomas, degrees, licensing, and certification. Unlike the i*f*a, [EcRcAu] the i*f*a* is very inclined to check constantly the requirements for these various awards to make certain they are being earned by work and application, rather than by rote or influence. Rules, regulations, procedures, and protocol are all important, and the policing and enforcement of these criteria are a fundamental concern for the i*f*a*. Good inspectors, efficiency experts, management specialists, and policemen and are frequently i*f*a*.

Since "right" and wrong" are relatively well-defined for the i*f*a*, he is impatient, punishing, and vindictive toward all who do wrong, but warm and accepting of those who do right. The ef*a [EuRcAu] needs rather constant reassurance by external authority that he is doing the right thing, but the i*f*a* gets his reassurance from the rules and regulations that he adapts and to which he conforms. He also feels that it is his responsibility to reassure or punish the ef*a* [EuRcUc] as necessary. The i*f*a* is constantly on the lookout for subversion, influence, heresy, seduction, and ineptness.

His primary problem is his inability to recognize that his defensiveness, suspicion, and decisiveness may cause others to react to these characteristics as being evidence of deceit, guilt, and conspiracy.