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

Abstract

when people behave in a certain manner in different situations to shape or influence other people’s perspectives (Bourdage, Wiltshire, & Lee, 2015). When individuals display certain types of behaviour, certain IM tactics become evident, depending on the situation. People care about how others perceive them, which is a critical factor for an organisation and in the general social setting (Bolino, Long, & Turnley, 2016). According to Bolino et al. (2016), IM by groups could have implications on the organisational resources that are allocated and the perceptions of organisational policies. 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.