Measuring Impression Management Between Women & Male Leaders of Color

Success in an organization is contingent upon hiring and retaining qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds. Benton, Ceballos, & Burton (2020) examined women leaders of color using Bolino & Turney’s (1999) Scale to determine their use of Impression Management (IM) tactics —self-promotion, integration, exemplification, intimidation, and supplication —as defined by Jones & Pittman (1982). Results showed strong correlations between the tactics. Additionally, Benton, Ceballos, & Burton (2022) sought to explore the use of IM tactics in male leaders of color. Results of the second study showed that Black/African American and Hispanic/Latino leaders scored similarly in their use of supplication compared to White leaders. Findings of the final study indicated male leaders of color (M = .057) scored moderately higher in their use of impression management compared to women leaders of color (M = .056). Male leaders of color had a higher mean score for self-promotion (M = 2.82), integration (M = 3.19), and exemplification (M = 4.29). In contrast, women leaders of color scored higher in their use of intimidation (M = 5.89).