Can accepting criticism be an effective impression management strategy for public figures? A comparison with denials and a counterattack.

Methner N, Bruckmüller S, Steffens M (2020)

Publication Language: English

Publication Type: Journal article, Original article

Publication year: 2020

Journal

Basic and Applied Social Psychology Taylor & Francis (Routledge): STM, Behavioural Science and Public Health Titles / Taylor & Francis (Psychology Press)

Book Volume: 42

Pages Range: 254-275

Journal Issue: 4

DOI: 10.1080/01973533.2020.1754824

Abstract

The way public figures react to criticism can influence perceptions of and trust in them. We tested whether politicians who openly accepted criticism were perceived as more moral and warmer (i.e., more communal) and were trusted more than politicians who rejected criticism. Using fictitious politicians, Experiments 1–3 showed the expected positive effect of accepting criticism on communion and trust, moderated neither by the politician’s party affiliation (Experiment 2) nor by attacked dimension (competence or morality; Experiment 3, preregistered). With a front-runner in an upcoming election as target, Experiment 4 replicated the positive effect, but only for participants with a political orientation matching the politician’s affiliation. Taken together, acknowledging mistakes can be an effective impression management strategy for public figures.

Authors with CRIS profile

Nicole Methner Lehrstuhl für Sozialpsychologie mit Schwerpunkt Gender und Diversity Susanne Bruckmüller Lehrstuhl für Sozialpsychologie mit Schwerpunkt Gender und Diversity

How to cite

APA:

Methner, N., Bruckmüller, S., & Steffens, M. (2020). Can accepting criticism be an effective impression management strategy for public figures? A comparison with denials and a counterattack. Basic and Applied Social Psychology, 42(4), 254-275. https://doi.org/10.1080/01973533.2020.1754824

MLA:

Methner, Nicole, Susanne Bruckmüller, and Melanie Steffens. "Can accepting criticism be an effective impression management strategy for public figures? A comparison with denials and a counterattack." Basic and Applied Social Psychology 42.4 (2020): 254-275.

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