Measuring Impression Management in Male Leaders of Color

Abstract

Companies’ survival depends on their ability to attract and maintain diverse leaders. This research examines the tactics used by male leaders of color to secure management positions. The Jones and Pittman’s Impression Management Taxonomy (1982) was used to explore the impression management phenomenon and the constructs of self-promotion, ingratiation, exemplification, intimidation, and supplication as they relate to gender and ethnicity. The statistical analysis was conducted on 240 valid responses where an exploratory factor analysis and a MANOVA provided insight on the variables’ relationships. The findings convey Black/African–American and Latinos scored similarly in their use of supplication versus White male leaders, which indicates that male leaders of color are more likely to be modest in their approach. Additionally, to some extent, all ethnicities with the exception of Asians tended to use the intimidation tactic in the workplace. While diversity is a growing trend in the workplace, this study confirms that it is imperative to have healthy conversations about ethnicity and gender in professional settings.