Self-Esteem and Impression Management
In 750-1,000 words, provide a minimum of four personal examples to illustrate impression management, social tuning, social comparisons, mindsets, intrinsic/extrinsic motivation, or causal theories.
One example provided must address face to face versus written communication styles. Are there measures that can be taken when communicating nonverbally to improve self-presentation, impression management, attributional inferences, and cognitive biases?
Each example provided should be based upon how your personal views were shaped by parents, teachers, friends, community, culture, etc. Each example should be supported by relevant research.
Use two to three scholarly sources to support your thinking, your textbook can be used as one of the resources.
Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. An abstract is not required.
This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.
Sample Answer
Self-Esteem and Impression Management
Impression management refers to making efforts to create a good impression on others. The term self-presentation is also used to refer to impression management. Current evidence indicates that individuals that engage in impression management successfully acquires significant advantage in various situations (Brandscombe & Baron, 2017). First impressions are very crucial as they usually have a long-lasting impact on people. First impressions can also be formed within a very short period, even while working with thin pieces of information such as photos. Evidence also indicates first impressions are usually reasonably accurate (Brandscombe & Baron, 2017). It is therefore critical to engage in impression management to ensure that favorable impressions are created. Impression management is shaped by culture and personal views. In everyday life, one exhibits the behavior due to the influence of culture, friends, parents, teachers, and the community as a whole.
Impression management reflects a concept of the world as a stage, and a person is an actor who is constantly presenting themselves to the audience. One may not consciously realize they are engaging in managing impressions. The impressions may be small or large-scale. Two techniques used in impression management include self-enhancement, which involves increasing appeal to others, and other enhancement, which focuses on making the target person feel good. Self-enhancement strategies involve strategies that focus on boosting the appearance of a person, whether physical appearance or professional appearance relating to personal grooming, personal grooming and appropriate dressing. Since childhood, my parents have always emphasized physical appearance especially grooming and hygiene. For every event, a lot of effort is usually directed towards physical appearance with the aim of achieving a specific look. At one point in an interview, I outshined everyone, although at first, I was not aware but became conscious after being selected for the position and receiving compliments. According to Bart and Brink, 2017), appearance and mannerism is a significant way of impressing others, especially in face-to-face interactions. Growing in a culture that enhances public self-consciousness has influenced the motive for impression management.
The first impression can be changed, boosting impression management. According to evidence from research, the first impression can be changed, especially with the reinterpretation of the initial information that results in the first impression by providing additional relevant information (Brandscombe & Baron, 2017). I am an open person, and I tend to provide all information when confronted with any situation. From a personal view, offering complete details facilitates informed decision making of other parties. At one point, I was expected to make a presentation at around 9. 00 Am. During that period, I was on a prescription, whose side effects included drowsiness. I woke up 20 minutes late and was able to arrive for the presentation 10minutes late. The presentation was done in order, and those who missed their opportunities were expected to present last. During the presentation, I felt I had the duty to disclose why I was late even though I had no expectations. I pointed out that I had submitted a copy of the presentation on time as required, so I was a good planner and a timekeeper. The move was effective as I was not penalized for the late presentation. Character, communication, and trust are key to reputation, which refers to the impression others have both personally and professionally. Some of the key characteristics that are also evident include open communication, commitment to goals, and eliminating ambiguity by providing clarity of words and actions (Bart & Brink, 2017).
Communication can also improve self-presentation and impression management. Evidence indicates that non-verbal cues, especially those displayed during an interview, are crucial for making good impressions. In most cases, face-to-face communication has more impact compared to written communication since one manipulate the audience based on their reaction. Reading the emotions of a person, such as anger, happiness, frustration, or sadness, enables one to act efficiently. In most cases, especially when dealing with a difficult issue, I prefer speaking to someone face to face. I have worked in various settings, including part-time jobs. In several cases, requesting a day off through a face-to-face conversation has always been successful compared to written communication. Meeting the boss face to face provides a platform to read their emotions and act accordingly. Face-to-face communication enhances proper timing for passing a message and bargaining if the response provided is unfavorable. In most cases, I always approach someone with a smile and give a firm handshake. I am well informed on various forms of greetings and acceptable gestures across different population and age groups. Respect has always been key in my family. Communication in my family and neighborhood always varies depending on the age, event, or cultural groups. Using the appropriate non-verbal ways of communication boosts impression management and leads to job satisfaction, professional and personal development and an opportunity (Lawrence, 2017).
According to Brandscombe and Baron (2017), the impression management techniques may result in negative rather than positive reactions and outcomes if recognized by the target party. I have always been affected by ingratiation, which refers to the use of flattery to make others like you (Brandscombe & Baron, 2017). Creating a good rapport with others has always been a significant tool in gaining productive connections. On different occasions, the strategy has created negative outcomes when the target group identifies my plan, especially in situations when I am trying to change the first impression. From a personal experience, the strategy is usually effective in cases where one wants to maintain a good impression after they have created one. One of the memorable personal experience was when I was accused of having an intention to bribe for a chance and was disqualified from participating in community sports for two weeks. Impression management should therefore be carried out effectively to prevent negative outcomes.
