Abstract

MCGOWAN, Nasreen A.  and  SEKAJA, Lusanda. A diary study of the impression management strategies utilised by industrial and organisational psychology interns. SA j. ind. Psychol. [online]. 2022, vol.48, n.1, pp.1-13. ISSN 2071-0763.  http://dx.doi.org/10.4102/sajip.v48i0.1902.

ORIENTATION: When interns enter a new workplace, they are compelled to create and maintain a good impression through a range of image-enhancing behaviours. Impression management strategies can help interns to do this RESEARCH PURPOSE: This study aimed to understand the strategies used by industrial and organisational (I/O) psychology interns, their goals for using them and the targets of these strategies MOTIVATION FOR THE STUDY: Interns are generally new to the workplace and, as such, may not be aware of how to play the 'social game' to create positive impressions about themselves, be perceived in a positive light, gain projects to fulfil their internship requirements, and, where possible, gain full-time employment from the organisation RESEARCH APPROACH/DESIGN AND METHOD: A qualitative design was used. Data were collected from 14 I/O psychology interns in the form of diary entries and semi-structured interviews MAIN FINDINGS: The thematic analysis revealed eight key impression management strategies, some existing and others novel: ingratiation, self-promotion, rendering favours, exemplification, professionalism, openness to learning, conformity and building strategic relationships PRACTICAL/MANAGERIAL IMPLICATIONS: Industrial and organisational psychologists should develop workshops to assist interns in using impression management skills to create a positive internship experience and advance in their respective organisations CONTRIBUTION/VALUE-ADD: The study adds theoretically (the study of impression management is relatively new in South Africa), practically (findings may help direct future I/O psychology interns to the correct strategies for creating a positive impression at work) and methodologically (diary studies are not common in qualitative organisational research

Keywords : diary study; impression management; industrial and organisational psychology; interns; internship; South Africa.

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