Interpersonal Perceptions

The contemporary society has evolved, changing the perceptions of individuals in regards both intra- and interpersonal skills. The workforce has responded by moving towards a more interpersonal dynamic with focuses on an understanding of others. Conversely Intrapersonal perceptions, in regards to its importance in an individual’s success, has remained static within the contemporary society. The change in dynamics within university life and the workplace is the product of the technological advances and globalization, creating a ‘smaller world’ that is now more interconnected; meaning more collaborative tasks with a range of individuals. Ultimately, to succeed an individual shall need a strong understanding of themselves and other persons to succeed.

Interpersonal perceptions are the judgments of other individuals based upon verbal and nonverbal communication. The importance of interpersonal perceptions in regard to individual success has increased drastically because of globalization and technological advances. Subsequently, university life and the work force has become more interpersonally dependent, with individuals collaborating in group tasks to attain a set goal. Due to this, intermingle of different individual’s working together aspects such as stereotyping, cultures, attitudes and values affect perceptions; directly influence an individual’s success. Firstly, an individual shall interact with various other individual’s with differing cultures and values. Hardeep (2010) states that there shall always be bias in people’s interpersonal perception of each other and that stereotyping shall be common. Hardeep’s statement true, does not in fact consider there are positive stereotypes that can positively influence the success of the individual. Abele and Stasser (2008) agree that teammates shall be looked favourably upon if there is a similarity in choices. The similarity and favorability can increase productivity, trust and understanding which shall decrease miscommunication and perceptual distortion. James (1980) believes that every person has a distinct social sides which they show in different situations. This can impinge the understanding of an individual’s actions as stated by Hardeep, stereotyping is common in the workplace and that many are placed into certain limitations due to a single action. The context of the circumstance shall also contribute to our understanding of others in situations; there are many different types of contexts ranging from situational context to emotional context. How others perceive a person and how we perceive others are directly influenced by intrapersonal perceptions, that is self- presentation and self-monitoring. The manner in which an individual communicates and appears, contributes enormously to the success at university and work. As shown, the interpersonal perceptions are made up of many aspects, including certain intrapersonal perceptions as well, which contribute varyingly to an individual’s success at university and work.

Intrapersonal perceptions are equally important in the individual success within the modern society and the dynamic workplace. Intrapersonal perceptions, how one perceives themselves, contribution to success has remained the same throughout globalization. Intrapersonal or self- perception is developed from many parts.  Firstly, an individual’s self esteem directly influences their success and expectations of success within the workplace and university. An individual has many social sides, if a social side is to be scrutinized, then their self-esteem shall be scrutinized as well (James, 1980). An individual’s low self-esteem can influence their organization and interpretation of ideas; Someone with low self-esteem shall have a higher communication apprehension, which is the fear to communicate with others. Pearson et al. (2011) believes that communication apprehension will affect an individual’s identity, as individuals with higher levels of apprehension having higher levels of social phobia. Communication apprehension and self-esteem are extremely influential in that individual’s success, furthermore, apprehension can create a potential for perceptual distortion. Perceptual distortion is the unnatural interpretation of stimuli, this can be a result of selective perception. Secondly, self-talk is equally important in contribution to intrapersonal perceptions. It is used to interpret messages from others, as a response mechanism to interactions with others. Self-talk will shape the individual’s attitudes, behavior and responses received; positive self-talk can increase concentration and performance, whilst negative self-talk can decrease performance and focus. Self-talk can be done through self-assessments and self-appraisals. Bercher (2012) believes that students with poor-self assessment and self-evaluation negatively impacted their academic future. Poor-self talk can increase the likelihood of a self-fulfilling prophecy which is an expectation of an event that shall shape one’s behavior making the outcome more likely. Lastly, self-concept is arguably the most influential in an individual’s success at university and work. Self-concept or self- identity is how an individual perceives themselves and lays the foundation for communication with other individuals or groups. Interpersonal interactions and perceptions contribute to self-concept, as reactions of others can validate, reinforce or alter the perception of self; as such positive experiences shall result in a positive self-concept. A negative self-concept shall increase the chance of failure within university or at work, while a positive self-concept shall increase the chance of success. Seaton et al. (2014, p. 50-51) embodies this as: