Psychology
Dramaturgical Analysis of Impression Management in Professional Settings
Quick fact
Erving Goffman's dramaturgical theory, introduced in 1959, argues that everyday social interaction resembles a theatrical performance. In professional settings, colleagues are actors on a stage, crafting performances to project competence and credibility, often differing sharply from their private, 'backstage' behavior.
Why this is interesting
You walk into a meeting, straighten your tie, and adopt a confident smile. But how much of that is really you—and how much is a performance?