DISC (Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, Compliance) is a behavioral assessment tool based on the work of William Moulton Marston, who proposed a theory of human behavior in his 1928 book "Emotions of Normal People". Marston's model posits that behavioral expression can be categorized along two axes: activity (active or passive response to one's environment) and perception (perceiving the environment as favorable or unfavorable). These axes intersect to form four quadrants, each associated with a primary behavioral style: Dominance (direct and results-oriented), Influence (outgoing and people-oriented), Steadiness (calm and cooperative), and Compliance (precise and detail-oriented).
DISC profiles provide a framework for understanding predictable patterns in individual behavior. The scientific importance of studying DISC lies in its potential to improve interpersonal communication and relationship management. Research in social psychology suggests that adapting communication styles to match the preferences of others can enhance rapport and trust. Understanding individual behavioral tendencies can lead to more effective team dynamics and conflict resolution strategies, supported by organizational psychology research on team roles and communication patterns.