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Impression Management Theory

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Submitted By danice
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Leah Patterson
Theory Thursday – Impression Management Theory
Professor Smith Comm-3330.BO1
February 18, 2016

We are all like actors and actresses playing a role, according to the impression management theory. Erving Goffman’s theory is that we all act differently in different settings. A person has the ability to choose the person that they want to present to certain social groups. A person can be an actor or actress, yet can also be their own “audience” at the same time. Goffman referrers the ability as using “front-stage ” and “back-stage” behavior as we create identities to fit into social groups, and often present different identities in each social or group setting. Impression management is used as an attempt to influence perceptions of oneself to others. Or to persuade a group as to the person you are, or rather the person you want them to think you are.
There are three setting in which a person will IM in. The basic setting that a person will use this sort of impression management is in the work life. A person will present an image to those that they work with, that they probably, and more likely, do not show with their family and close friends. A person can use this sort of behavior to set an image of oneself to the people that they work around. One is motivated by their desire to create a positive image, and take the steps to create an identity to fit the role of their desired status in the work environment.
I have personally learned over the years in former work environments what it takes to be a leader for a team. I expressed my eagerness to learn more at my company to my manager who in return set me up to take over as a “ghost” manager. She was the face and the name in everyone’s perception, but I did the work, thus proving to her that I was able to run an association of professionals in any field. When I left the company, the owner who was the

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