Object language and impression management

Try Throwing ouT The Term “obje cT l an guage” at an IT office party, and odds are people will immediately think of JAVA, C++ or some other objectoriented language. However, there is another type of object language, literally the language of objects, which speaks volumes about people. Object language is a form of nonverbal communication suggested by the environmental cues that surround a person, particularly in office settings. Through these cues, others (such as visitors, coworkers, and customers) make attributions about employees’ competence, ability, and personality. What does object language communicate about IT professionals? Can the messages conveyed by object language be used to offset the stereotypical image of a “computer geek?” While the image projected by an IT employee has a bearing on individual career success, it is also important for those who have responsibility for the IT function in their firms. Most IT employees provide support for internal and sometimes external customers. If customers are reluctant to approach IT professionals, or if they approach with a negative predisposition, IT services invariably suffer. This article reports on how object language can affect impressions that customers and visitors form when they come to see IT professionals in their offices. Based on recent study findings, we assert that technology, in combination with other office design elements, can be a useful tool for managing the impressions others have of IT professionals.