The Phenomenon of Impression Management Essay Example

just as much interpersonal skill as creating a false one. (Giacalone & Rosenfeld, 1989; Manstead & Hewstone, 1995)

Many people associate impression management with dishonest and insincere behavior aimed at manipulating others. Those who engage in this practice don't necessarily believe the impressions they project, but rather use them to gain favor from important audiences. The audience's reaction plays a significant role in regulating the actor's behavior in impression management, as it involves trying to create a specific impression on them. Most research highlights the immediate audience's impact on behavior.

According to recent studies, an actor's behavior can be influenced more strongly by audiences who are powerful, attractive, expert, or higher in status. In addition, researchers have started investigating other types of audiences that affect impression management like imaginary audiences -- significant individuals who are not actually present such as parents or friends -- and self-as-audience for one's own behavior (Manstead & Hewstone, 1995).

According to Goffman, people engage in impression management in various ways, some consciously and others unconsciously. For instance, when a guy courts a woman, he strives to make a good first impression, hoping to be viewed positively. On the other hand, women remove hair from different parts of their bodies to present a hairless appearance that is regarded as socially acceptable. Nonetheless, impression management can be beneficial for social interactions since it encourages appropriate behavior and prevents societal breakdown resulting from unrestrained actions.

Goffman (1959) acknowledged the negative aspects of impression management, when people manipulate their audience in deceitful and harmful ways (Ferrante ; Ferrante-Wallace, 2005). This creates a dilemma as disclosing inappropriate or unpleasant information can offend or alienate the audience, but concealing

it can seem dishonest. Cultural influences may impact impression management as the implied meanings may not be explicitly communicated.

Due to social norms and the need for impression management, negative views about minorities are often implied rather than explicitly stated. For example, an indirect statement like "the politicians were concerned about rising crime in the inner city" presupposes the existence of crime in that area, even though it is not explicitly mentioned (Holliday, Kullman, ; Hyde, 2004). Another cultural issue that affects impression management is race, particularly concerning the impact of racism and discrimination on how black people present themselves to others. It is important to recognize the significant influence of discrimination and racism on the way black people interact with the outside world.

According to Robinson (1995), skin color serves as a marker of divergence and prejudice is present throughout every level of society, manifesting through beliefs of genetic inadequacy and cultural pathology. It is crucial to not only comprehend the responses and suspicion of white individuals towards black individuals, but to also recognize nonverbal conduct among black individuals. The resentment and distrust experienced by black individuals towards white individuals may be seen as a suitable and accommodating reaction.