Impression management refers to the conscious or unconscious attempt to influence the perceptions of others about a person, object, or event by regulating and controlling information in social interaction (Simply Psychology, 2024). It involves various strategies to convey a desired image and achieve social goals.
Key Facts
- Dressing professionally: People often dress in a certain way to create a positive impression. For example, wearing formal attire for a job interview or dressing in a professional manner for a business meeting.
- Nonverbal cues: Body language, facial expressions, and gestures can be used to manage impressions. For instance, maintaining eye contact, smiling, and using open and confident body language can create a favorable impression.
- Self-promotion: Highlighting one’s achievements, skills, and positive attributes is a common impression management technique. This can be done through resumes, cover letters, personal statements, or during interviews.
- Social media presence: People carefully curate their online presence to create a desired impression. This includes selecting and sharing content that portrays them in a positive light, such as achievements, hobbies, and experiences.
- Managing online reviews: Businesses engage in impression management by responding to online reviews, both positive and negative. They may address concerns, offer solutions, and showcase their commitment to customer satisfaction.
- Networking: Building relationships and connections can be a form of impression management. By attending events, engaging in conversations, and demonstrating interest in others, individuals can create a positive impression and expand their professional network.
- Public speaking: Delivering a well-prepared and confident speech or presentation can help manage the impression others have of the speaker. This includes using effective communication techniques, engaging the audience, and conveying expertise on the topic.
Common Impression Management Techniques
Dressing Professionally
People often dress in a certain way to create a positive impression. For example, wearing formal attire for a job interview or dressing in a professional manner for a business meeting (BetterUp, 2022).
Nonverbal Cues
Body language, facial expressions, and gestures can be used to manage impressions. For instance, maintaining eye contact, smiling, and using open and confident body language can create a favorable impression (Simply Psychology, 2024).
Self-Promotion
Highlighting one’s achievements, skills, and positive attributes is a common impression management technique. This can be done through resumes, cover letters, personal statements, or during interviews (Teamly, 2023).
Social Media Presence
People carefully curate their online presence to create a desired impression. This includes selecting and sharing content that portrays them in a positive light, such as achievements, hobbies, and experiences (Simply Psychology, 2024).
Managing Online Reviews
Businesses engage in impression management by responding to online reviews, both positive and negative. They may address concerns, offer solutions, and showcase their commitment to customer satisfaction (Teamly, 2023).
Networking
Building relationships and connections can be a form of impression management. By attending events, engaging in conversations, and demonstrating interest in others, individuals can create a positive impression and expand their professional network (Teamly, 2023).
Public Speaking
Delivering a well-prepared and confident speech or presentation can help manage the impression others have of the speaker. This includes using effective communication techniques, engaging the audience, and conveying expertise on the topic (Teamly, 2023).
Conclusion
Impression management is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that plays a significant role in social interactions. By understanding and employing effective impression management strategies, individuals can enhance their self-presentation, build positive relationships, and achieve their desired goals.
References
BetterUp. (2022). Impression management: Developing your self-presentation skills. https://www.betterup.com/blog/impression-management
Simply Psychology. (2024). Impression management: Erving Goffman theory. https://www.simplypsychology.org/impression-management.html
Teamly. (2023). 7 impression management examples to win hearts (+when can it go wrong?). https://www.teamly.com/blog/impression-management-examples/
FAQs
What is impression management?
Answer: Impression management is the conscious or unconscious attempt to influence the perceptions of others about a person, object, or event by regulating and controlling information in social interaction.
What are some common impression management techniques?
Answer: Common impression management techniques include dressing professionally, using nonverbal cues, self-promotion, managing social media presence, managing online reviews, networking, and delivering effective public speeches.
Why do people engage in impression management?
Answer: People engage in impression management to achieve various social goals, such as making a good first impression, building positive relationships, enhancing their self-presentation, and influencing others’ perceptions of them.
Can impression management be used for both positive and negative purposes?
Answer: Yes, impression management can be used for both positive and negative purposes. Positive impression management involves presenting oneself in a favorable light, while negative impression management involves concealing or downplaying negative aspects of oneself.
What are some ethical considerations related to impression management?
Answer: Impression management raises ethical considerations when it involves deception, manipulation, or misrepresentation of oneself. It is important to be authentic and transparent in self-presentation while respecting the boundaries and expectations of others.
How can I improve my impression management skills?
Answer: To improve impression management skills, focus on developing self-awareness, practicing active listening, using positive body language, communicating effectively, and building genuine connections with others.
Are there any cultural differences in impression management?
Answer: Yes, cultural differences in impression management exist. For example, in some cultures, self-promotion is considered boastful, while in others, it is seen as a necessary means of showcasing one’s abilities.
Can impression management be used in online interactions?
Answer: Yes, impression management can be used in online interactions through carefully curating social media profiles, managing online reviews, and engaging in online discussions in a professional and respectful manner.