Exploring impression management tactics within the Afrikaans Coloured culture in a formal setting

Abstract

When individuals are in the workplace, IM can be used intentionally and strategically, employees may consciously create a specific image, such as likeability, and competence amongst employees Orientation: Impression management (IM) tactics are displayed by Afrikaans Coloured individuals in formal settings. The formal setting (workplace) entails interactions with colleagues and supervisors. Research purpose: Explore and identify IM tactics displayed in the Afrikaans Coloured culture in a formal setting. Motivation for the study: This study forms part of a bigger research project where research has been conducted on different cultural groups (e.g. White Afrikaans, Zulu and Tswana) in order to develop a social desirable measuring instrument specifically for the South African context.Research approach, design and method: A qualitative research design was utilised based on a phenomenological approach, following an emic perspective. The sample consisted of (n = 11) Afrikaans Coloured individuals, with a tertiary qualification within South African organisations that comprised employees more than 50 people, situated in the Western Cape and Northern Cape provinces. For data collection, semi-structured interviews were conducted. Qualitative data analysis steps of Creswell was used to analyse data. Main findings:Results indicate that Africans Coloured individuals use different tactics when impressing colleagues and supervisors in the workplace. Practical/managerial implications:This study provides the management of organisations the essential knowledge on the IM tactics that Afrikaans Coloured employees display in a formal setting. Contribution/value-add:This study contributed to the body of knowledge regarding IM tactics that Afrikaans Coloured employees display. This study might enable organisations to better understand and manage individuals from this cultural group.

A diary study of the impression management strategies utilised by industrial and organisational psychology interns

“…Thus, paying attention to one's attire and appearance is an important way to manage impressions and maintain a certain level of professionalism besides showing competence and other expected behaviours (Campbell & Taylor, 2008). For Delport et al (2022), displaying professional behaviour also meant that employees should not gossip and always endeavour to put their best foot forward. Goffman (1956) made reference to ceremonial roles, one component of which is the concern of individuals with their manner of dress because one's attire creates a sense of respect for a particular role.…”

“…Their study was more culturally oriented, however, leaving room for a more organisationally contextualised study. Delport, Mtshelwane, and Rossouw (2022) took up this challenge by exploring the impression management strategies employed by Afrikaans mixed-race individuals in the work setting. Findings demonstrated that they use impression management strategies such as working hard, expressing opinions and displaying professional behaviour.…”

Impression Management and Employee Contextual Performance in Service Organizations (Enterprises)

“…Other empirical investigations concentrated on the effect, impact, and influence of impression management on other criterion variables other than employee contextual performance [28,29]. Again, just recently, McGowan & Sekaja [30] and Delport et al [31] examined the effect of impression management tactics on other variables that are different from employee contextual performance. This has created a lacuna in impression management research.…”

“…McGowan & Sekaja [30] identified the impression management strategies used by organizational psychology interns in South African firms and, found that they employ ingratiation, exemplification, self-promotion, rendering favours, professionalism, conformity, openness to learning, and strategic relationship building. Delport et al [31] explored the impression management tactics of Afrikaans coloured managers in South Africa and discovered that coloured Afrikaans managers used different impression management tactics to influence their subordinates. Research has shown that managers who used exemplification, ingratiation, and supplication tactics exhibited significant transformational leadership behaviours whereas those who adopted self-promoting and intimidating behaviours had low transformational leadership behaviours [78].…”