Impression Management

Explanations > Theories > Impression Management

Description | Example | So What? | See also | References 

Description

When we are under scrutiny, we will try to deliberately manage the impressions that others form of us.

We will use self-enhancement to make us seem good, for example through smart dress, careful language, etc. The alternative is other-enhancement to make the other person feel good, such as with flattery.

Example

Watch people being interviewed on TV. Notice how a good interviewer uses other-enhancement to relax them. Spot how people use self-enhancement to look good. 

So what?

Using it

Look good, sound good, make the other person feel good. But don’t over-do it!

Defending

Appearances are deceptive.

See also

Compensation, Social Comparison Theory, Social Desirability Bias

References

Rowat, Cunningham and Druen (1998)

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