Impression management in organizational behavior is the strategic and deliberate behavior employed by individuals or organizations to control situations in a self-serving manner. It involves deceptive and manipulative tactics to shape how others perceive them, enhance credibility, gain influence, and achieve desired outcomes.
Purpose
The primary purpose of impression management in organizations is to create a positive image, enhance credibility, gain influence, and achieve desired outcomes. It is a conscious effort to manage the perceptions of others to gain favor, avoid negative consequences, or advance personal or organizational goals.
Strategies and Techniques
Various strategies and techniques are employed in impression management, including:
- Self-PresentationIndividuals or organizations present themselves in a manner that aligns with the desired image. This includes controlling verbal and nonverbal communication, appearance, and behavior to create a favorable impression.
- Self-PromotionIndividuals or organizations highlight their strengths, accomplishments, and positive qualities to enhance their image and gain recognition.
- ConformityIndividuals or organizations align their behavior and attitudes with those of the dominant group or culture to gain acceptance and approval.
- FlatteryIndividuals or organizations use compliments and positive remarks to gain favor and build relationships.
- ExcusesIndividuals or organizations provide explanations or justifications for negative outcomes or behaviors to mitigate negative consequences and maintain a positive image.
- FavorsIndividuals or organizations provide assistance or favors to others to create a sense of obligation and reciprocity, which can be leveraged for future benefits.
- AssociationIndividuals or organizations associate themselves with positive symbols, individuals, or groups to enhance their image and gain credibility.
Importance in the Workplace
Impression management plays a crucial role in the workplace. It affects social influence, how others perceive individuals and the organization, and can impact career advancement, relationships, and overall organizational success. Effective impression management can lead to increased trust, cooperation, and support, while poor impression management can result in negative consequences, such as damaged reputation, loss of credibility, and strained relationships.
Role in Interviews
Impression management is particularly significant during job interviews. Candidates and interviewers engage in impression management to present themselves or the organization in the best possible light. This involves self-promotion, showcasing relevant skills and experiences, and creating a positive impression. Candidates may use strategies such as dressing professionally, maintaining eye contact, and answering questions confidently to make a favorable impression. Interviewers may employ impression management techniques to create a welcoming and supportive environment, ask open-ended questions, and provide positive feedback to attract and retain top talent.
Sources
Key Facts
- Definition: Impression management in organizational behavior is defined as the deceptive and manipulative behavior employed by individuals or organizations to control a situation in a self-serving way.
- Purpose: The primary purpose of impression management in organizations is to shape how others perceive individuals or the organization itself. It aims to create a positive image, enhance credibility, gain influence, and achieve desired outcomes.
- Strategies and techniques: Various strategies and techniques are used in impression management, including self-presentation, self-promotion, conformity, flattery, excuses, favors, and association. These tactics are employed to align the perceived image with the desired goals.
- Importance in the workplace: Impression management plays a crucial role in the workplace. It affects social influence, how others perceive individuals and the organization, and can impact career advancement, relationships, and overall organizational success.
- Role in interviews: Impression management is particularly significant during job interviews. Candidates and interviewers engage in impression management to present themselves or the organization in the best possible light. This involves self-promotion, showcasing relevant skills and experiences, and creating a positive impression.
- https://study.com/academy/lesson/impression-management-in-organizations-definition-techniques-examples.html
- https://www.betterup.com/blog/impression-management
- https://www.hellovaia.com/explanations/business-studies/managers/impression-management/
FAQs
What is impression management in organizational behavior?
Impression management in organizational behavior refers to the strategic and deliberate behavior employed by individuals or organizations to control situations in a self-serving manner. It involves deceptive and manipulative tactics to shape how others perceive them, enhance credibility, gain influence, and achieve desired outcomes.
What are the common strategies and techniques used in impression management?
Various strategies and techniques are employed in impression management, including self-presentation, self-promotion, conformity, flattery, excuses, favors, and association. These tactics are used to align the perceived image with the desired goals.
Why is impression management important in the workplace?
Impression management plays a crucial role in the workplace as it affects social influence, how others perceive individuals and the organization, and can impact career advancement, relationships, and overall organizational success. Effective impression management can lead to increased trust, cooperation, and support, while poor impression management can result in negative consequences.
How is impression management used during job interviews?
Impression management is particularly significant during job interviews. Candidates and interviewers engage in impression management to present themselves or the organization in the best possible light. This involves self-promotion, showcasing relevant skills and experiences, and creating a positive impression.
What are some examples of impression management in organizations?
Examples of impression management in organizations include:
- A manager highlighting their team’s accomplishments in a presentation to senior leadership to gain recognition and support for future projects.
- An employee providing excuses for missed deadlines to maintain a positive image and avoid negative consequences.
- A company engaging in corporate social responsibility initiatives to create a positive public image and attract socially conscious customers.
How can individuals and organizations manage their impression effectively?
To manage their impression effectively, individuals and organizations can:
- Be authentic and transparent in their communication.
- Focus on building genuine relationships based on trust and respect.
- Be consistent in their behavior and actions.
- Be mindful of the impact of their words and actions on others.
- Seek feedback from others to identify areas for improvement.
What are the ethical considerations related to impression management?
Impression management raises ethical concerns when it involves deception, manipulation, or misrepresentation. It is important to maintain honesty and integrity while managing one’s impression, as unethical practices can damage trust and credibility in the long run.
How can organizations create a culture that discourages impression management?
Organizations can create a culture that discourages impression management by:
- Promoting transparency and authenticity.
- Encouraging open communication and feedback.
- Rewarding individuals for their genuine contributions and ethical behavior.
- Holding individuals accountable for their actions and ensuring consequences for unethical behavior.