Trying to Look Bad at Work: Methods and Motives for Managing Poor Impressions in Organizations

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.