Johari Window Model

BIKRAM PRADHAN

• The Johari Window, derived from the work of Joseph Luft and Harry Ingham (1955), is an

excellent graphical representation of the relationship between individuals and understanding

oneself. Luft and Ingham called this model ‘Johari’, after their first names, Joe and Harry. It is

called window, because of its four quadrants. It is also referred to as a ‘disclosure/feedback

model of self- awareness’, and by some people an ‘information-processing tool’.

• The Johari Window actually represents information—feelings, experience, views,

attitudes, skills, intentions, motivation, etc.—within or about a person in relation to

his/her group, from four perspectives. It is widely used to understand self, to achieve

personal development, improve communications, interpersonal relations, group

dynamics, team development, and, finally, to strengthen inter-group relations.

• This model represents information for a particular group in relation to other groups, and

refers to ‘self and ‘others’. The Johari Window has four regions—open, blind, hidden,

and unknown. What is known by a person about himself/herself and is also known by

others is represented by the open area, open self, free area, free self, or the arena.

• What is unknown to a person about himself/herself but is known to others is

represented by the blind area, blind self, or blind spot. On the other hand, what a

person knows about himself/herself and others do not is represented by the

hidden area, hidden self, avoided area, avoided self or ‘facade’. Again there may

be a situation when neither the person nor do others know about something.

Such is represented by the unknown area or unknown self. A schematic

representation of the model is shown below in Figure 6.1.

• Quadrant 1, the open self/area, represents the area of free activity. When we are in this

region, either individually or in a group, we are able to be more effective and productive

because this space is for good communications and cooperation.

• Quadrant 2, the blind self, makes us known to others but unknown to self, which results in

our asking for feedback, based on which we try to reduce this area and increase the open area.

• Quadrant 3, the hidden self or ‘facade’ indicates a situation, where we know something, but

to others it is unknown. This hidden area represents information, feelings, including

sensitivities, fears, manipulative intentions, secrets, etc.

• Quadrant 4 contains information, feelings, latent abilities, aptitudes, experiences, etc., which

are unknown to the individual as well as to others in the group.