Impression management is the conscious or unconscious effort individuals make to influence how others perceive them. It involves controlling and regulating information in social interactions to project a desired image or self-presentation.
Key Facts
- Definition: Impression management is the sum total of actions, both conscious and unconscious, that individuals take to shape how others perceive them.
- Self-Presentation: Impression management is often used synonymously with self-presentation, where individuals try to influence how others perceive their image.
- Motives: Impression management becomes necessary in social situations, real or imaginary, where individuals are aware of being monitored. Cultural norms, audience characteristics, and personal goals influence the strategies used in impression management.
- Strategies: Various strategies are employed in impression management, including accounts (providing explanations for negative events), excuses (denying responsibility for negative outcomes), opinion conformity (behaving consistently with the target), self-disclosure, managing appearances, ingratiation, and alter-casting.
- Social Interaction: Impression management is a social activity that occurs in face-to-face communication as well as computer-mediated communication. It involves performing a “line” or pattern of verbal and nonverbal acts to gain positive social value or “face”.
- Dramaturgical Analogy: Impression management can be understood through a dramaturgical analogy, where individuals see social interaction as a performance and adapt their behavior to give off the desired impression to a specific audience.
- Self-Verification: Self-verification is another factor in impression management, where individuals seek to confirm their existing self-concept and have others perceive them in line with their self-identity.
Self-Presentation
Impression management is closely related to self-presentation, where individuals attempt to influence how others perceive their image. This can involve expressing oneself in a certain way or engaging in specific behaviors to manage perceptions and achieve social goals.
Motives for Impression Management
Impression management becomes necessary in social situations, real or imaginary, where individuals are aware of being monitored. Cultural norms, characteristics of the audience, and personal goals influence the strategies used in impression management.
Strategies for Impression Management
Various strategies are employed in impression management, including:
- AccountsProviding explanations for negative events to mitigate their impact on one’s image.
- ExcusesDenying responsibility for negative outcomes to protect one’s reputation.
- Opinion ConformityBehaving consistently with the target audience to gain their approval.
- Self-DisclosureSharing personal information to build rapport and trust.
- Managing AppearancesPaying attention to physical appearance, clothing, and nonverbal cues to convey a desired image.
- IngratiationEngaging in behaviors aimed at pleasing others and gaining their favor.
- Alter-CastingAttributing certain qualities or characteristics to others to enhance one’s own image.
Social Interaction and Impression Management
Impression management is a social activity that occurs in face-to-face communication as well as computer-mediated communication. It involves performing a “line” or pattern of verbal and nonverbal acts to gain positive social value or “face”.
Dramaturgical Analogy
Impression management can be understood through a dramaturgical analogy, where individuals see social interaction as a performance. They adapt their behavior to give off the desired impression to a specific audience, similar to actors in a play.
Self-Verification
Self-verification is another factor in impression management. Individuals seek to confirm their existing self-concept and have others perceive them in line with their self-identity. This can influence the strategies they use to manage impressions.
Conclusion
Impression management is a complex social phenomenon that involves conscious and unconscious efforts to shape how others perceive us. It is influenced by various factors such as social norms, audience characteristics, personal goals, and the strategies employed. Understanding impression management can provide insights into social interactions and help individuals navigate social situations effectively.
References
- Impression Management: Developing Your Self-Presentation Skills. (2022, June 22). BetterUp.
- Impression management. (2023, January 29). Wikipedia.
- Impression Management. (n.d.). Simply Psychology.
FAQs
What is impression management?
Impression management is the conscious or unconscious effort individuals make to influence how others perceive them. It involves controlling and regulating information in social interactions to project a desired image or self-presentation.
Why is impression management important?
Impression management is important because it allows individuals to shape how others perceive them, which can influence social interactions, relationships, and opportunities. It helps individuals achieve their goals, maintain a positive reputation, and navigate social situations effectively.
What are some common strategies used in impression management?
Common strategies used in impression management include self-disclosure, managing appearances, ingratiation, opinion conformity, accounts, excuses, and alter-casting. These strategies aim to create a desired image, gain approval, and maintain positive social relationships.
How does impression management relate to self-presentation?
Impression management and self-presentation are closely related concepts. Self-presentation refers to the way individuals express themselves and their identity in social interactions. Impression management involves the deliberate and strategic use of self-presentation techniques to influence how others perceive them.
What is the dramaturgical analogy in impression management?
The dramaturgical analogy in impression management compares social interaction to a theatrical performance. Individuals are seen as actors who adapt their behavior and presentation to give off the desired impression to a specific audience. This analogy highlights the performative aspects of social interaction and impression management.
How does impression management affect social interactions?
Impression management significantly influences social interactions. It shapes how individuals communicate, behave, and present themselves in social situations. It can impact relationship dynamics, social status, and the overall tone and atmosphere of interactions.
What is self-verification in impression management?
Self-verification in impression management refers to the tendency of individuals to seek confirmation of their existing self-concept. They engage in impression management strategies to ensure that others perceive them in line with their self-identity. This helps individuals maintain a positive self-image and sense of self-worth.
How can individuals improve their impression management skills?
Individuals can improve their impression management skills by becoming more self-aware, understanding their strengths and weaknesses, and practicing effective communication and interpersonal skills. Being genuine, authentic, and respectful in interactions can also contribute to positive impression management.