Impression management is the process of consciously or subconsciously attempting to influence the perceptions of other people about a person, object, or event by regulating and controlling information in social interaction. It is the sum total of actions we take to influence how others perceive us. Here are some key points about impression management:
- The goal of impression management is to present oneself in a way that aligns with what one wants to achieve.
- Impression management can be used with either benevolent or malicious intent.
- Impression management is usually used synonymously with self-presentation, in which a person tries to influence the perception of their image.
- Impression management is applicable to academic fields of study such as psychology and sociology as well as practical fields such as corporate communication and media.
- Impression management techniques can be used in a variety of situations, from job interviews to networking events.
- According to Erving Goffmans impression management theory, people put on an act when in front of others; however, when in private, people behave as they usually would.
Impression management is a common way for people to influence one another in order to obtain various goals. It is a very important skill to have in the workplace, as it affects social influence and how others perceive an individual and their company.