Exemplification and perceived job insecurity: Associations with self-rated performance and emotional exhaustion

Impression management is typically seen as a means to achieve success. Little is known about potential side effects for the self, or about impression management aimed at prevention of loss. Here, we probe the relationship between exemplification (impression management aimed at acquiring the image of model employee) and performance and emotional exhaustion, accounting for the moderating role of job insecurity. We use the Resource Model of Self-regulation and the Conservation of Resources Theory to propose that the association of exemplification with performance and emotional exhaustion is more positive with increased job insecurity. Hypotheses were tested in a sample of 603 Peruvian workers using structural equation modeling (SEM). The pattern of results supported our hypotheses: Exemplification has unintended effects when workers feel insecure.