Image, Professional Reputation, and Impression Management for Managers
Dr. David E. Bartz, Dr. Melanie Brink

Abstract
A manager’s image is important to effective performance to gain support from others toward accomplishing goals. Reputation, a key element of image along with impression management, is beneficial for influencing stakeholders and crucial for career advancement. By creating a personal brand as a portion of a professional reputation, the manager can establish uniqueness that influences others to aid in his/her career advancement.Impression management represents “in-the-moment” perceptions of those with whom a manager interacts. The manager’s goal is to influence others through creating a persona that gains support for what is desired to be accomplished through face-to-face interaction. While it may be beneficial for the manager to view oneself as being “on stage,” authenticity of verbal and nonverbal behaviors is paramount. “Play acting” can result in being viewed as phony which can negatively impact a reputation and be detrimental to achieving the support for the task at hand.

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