Question

• Discuss whether impression management is required and principled, or deceptive and unethical.

Answer 1

Impression management is conscious as well as subconscious process in which people attempt to influence the perceptions of others by portraying themselves in a manner that creates a good impression. Today’s competitive environment is digital (virtual) so, maintaining long term relations is difficult in this situation with our stakeholders, so we need impression management. The impression we create can have a major impact on our personal and professional success. It creates direct impact in company and its brands. Impression can be managed by following ways-

1. Be self aware

2. Be thoughtful and Prudent

3. Master your emotions

4. Observe rules of etiquette

5. Have courage and conviction

6. Be positive

Impression management can be ethical if an individual have moral values. If impression is managed properly then it cannot be deceptive as well because it only uses to represent our good things before our bad things, not used to mislead anyone. Impression management is use to express ourselves. Social practices invite ethical appraisal because they may also provide opportunities for achievement and pursuit of excellence. To impress others person usually done good things, learn new skills and help others.

Impression management is more effective than flattery. Flattery is unethical and deceptive while impression management is required and principled. Sometimes it is important to impress audience so that you can communicate and provide information what you want to say otherwise nobody is going to listen.