Trying to Look Bad at Work: Methods and Motives for Managing Poor Impressions in Organizations
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1995
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
https://doi.org/10.5465/256732
Abstract
Intentionally looking bad at work is a type of impression management in which employees purposefully attempt to convey unfavorable impressions. Drawing on the employment experiences of 162 individuals, we documented five forms of such behavior: decreasing performance, not working to potential, withdrawal, displaying a bad attitude, and broadcasting limitations. Motives for managing poor impressions were also documented. The management of poor impressions was discriminable from the management of favorable impressions and self-handicapping. We provide a preliminary framework for understanding the management of poor impressions.
Was this content written or created while at USF?
No
Citation / Publisher Attribution
Academy of Management Journal, v. 38, no. 1, p. 174-199
Scholar Commons Citation
Becker, Thomas E. and Martin, Scott L., "Trying to Look Bad at Work: Methods and Motives for Managing Poor Impressions in Organizations" (1995). School of Information Systems and Management Sarasota Manatee Campus Faculty Publications. 131.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/qmb_facpub_sm/131
