A method to the martyrdom: Employee exemplification as an impression management strategy. (February 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Long, David M.
• Is Part Of: Organizational psychology review. Volume 7:Number 1(2017:Feb.)
• Page Start: 36
• Page End: 65
• Publication Date: 2017-02
• Subjects: exemplification -- impression management -- perceptions -- social influence; Psychology, Industrial -- Periodicals; Organizational behavior -- Periodicals; Psychology, Applied -- Periodicals; 158.705
• DOI: 10.1177/2041386616663816
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2041-3866

Abstract

Employees have an enduring concern with how they appear to others, and will seek to claim certain attributions to strengthen their workplace image. In this research, a model of exemplification is presented. This model is an impression management strategy, whereby employees seek to claim the attributions of dedicated, moral, or generous by strategically displaying for audiences a willingness to do more or better than is necessary at work. This model draws from the literature on identity and impression management, and applies an interpersonal-perception framework to make predictions about exemplifying performances or the behaviors employees may act out to earn these attributions, potential audience reactions to those performances, and the influence those reactions might have on subsequent exemplifying performances.