Impression management is when someone tries to control how others see and think about them (Tedeschi & Riess, 1981). We all do impression management without even realizing it (Watzlawick et al., 1967). It includes both intentional actions, like how we speak and act, and also unintentional actions, like body language or facial expressions. Sometimes we change how we present ourselves depending on who we are with or what we want to achieve.
Impression management is not just about individuals; organizations also use it. For example, companies try to create a certain image to attract customers and beat their competitors. This is often called “reputation” or “image management” for organizations.
In sports, impression management can be seen when athletes try to control their emotions. They might hide their excitement after winning to make it seem like it’s easy for them, even if it’s not (Hackfort & Schlattmann, 2005). Organizations in sports also use impression management to justify their actions and get more supporters.
Hackfort, D., & Schlattmann, A. (2005). Self-Presentation with a special emphasis on emotion-presentation: Concept, methods, and intervention strategies. In D. Hackfort, J. L. Duda, & R. Lidor (Eds.), Handbook of research in applied sport and exercise psychology: International perspectives (pp. 147 156). Morgantown, WV: Fitness Information Technology.
Tedeschi, J. T., & Riess, M. (1981). Identities, the phenomenal self, and laboratory research. In J. T. Tedeschi (Ed.), Impression management. Theory and social psychological research (pp. 3 22). New York, NY: Academic Press.
Watzlawick, P., Beavin, J. H., & Jackson, D. D. (1967).Pragmatics of human communication. A study of interactional patterns, pathologies, and paradoxes. New York: Norton & Company.
