A Cybernetic Model of Impression Management Processes in Organizations

Recent theory and research have suggested that a significant portion of human behavior in organizations is motivated by impression management concerns, that is, by the desire to be perceived by others in certain ways. However, the complex interpersonal dynamics of impression management in organizations remain largely unexplored. This paper synthesizes theory and research across several disciplines and literatures to present an integrative, process-oriented model of impression management in organizations. Potential applications and implications of the model for management research and practice are discussed and directions for future research are provided.