Theories of Self-Concept Maintenance - Research Paper Example

She says she has been extremely busy, and that has not had time to work with the other departments. In her defence, she states that other people are not interested in what she is doing, and she is a silent observer. In addition, she blames others for a mistake and asserts herself as an expert. In her view, things would have been different if she did the task. When the boss praises both women on planning and prioritizing, exaggerates her ways of planning so as to seek admiration from the boss.

Moreover, she wants to exert the notion that her planning and prioritizing skills have been of immense significance to the company. Jeanette is so confident of her work that when she does not receive a perfect five score, it certainly affects her self-esteem. Thus, she wants to work extra hard to show that she is the best. Hormuth (2010) states the three theories of self-concept maintenance as self-evaluation theory, self-discrepancy theory and affective forecasting theory. These theories focus on the ways in which self-concept affect how different individuals feel about themselves.

The theories can be used to explain the different behaviours an individual exhibits in presentation, monitoring and regulation when placed in social situations. People are always concerned with their appropriate self-presentation, which is ruled by the individual’s self concept that is an invariable consideration. The theories also explore the cognitive representation of the self, and how the knowledge people have regarded themselves affects their association and behaviour.

Self-evaluation theory explores the relationship between self performance and another individual’s performance in relation to areas that are deemed of high relevance. When another worker performs better than a person in an area of high relevance; this may result in the reduction of the person’s self-esteem. Affective forecasting theory explores the various ways in which individuals attempt to predict their prospects and how they will make them feel. People with high self-esteem usually exhibit a more positive attitude regarding their capabilities to achieve their objectives and stay on top (Schwartz, 2011).

Self-discrepancy theory examines the three sides of self: ought self, the actual and the ideal self. This theory asserts that the difference between the ideal self and actual self develops a sense of failure in achieving objectives and usually forecasts depression. Baumeister and Finkel (2010) note that discrepancies between the ought self and actual self concentrates on shunning unconstructive consequences and frequently results in anxiety. Thus, the failure to achieve in accordance with the ideal self and the ought self generate unconstructive emotions and reduces self-esteem.

The self-evaluation theory explains Jeanette behaviour when she tries to explain that the packaging error was not her fault. Packaging was an area of high relevance to Jeanette, and it affected her that she had failed to effectively achieve her objectives. It is a blow to her self-esteem since she considers she would have done a better job had she not delegated the task. In addition, the self-discrepancy theory may also account for anxiety that Jeanette may have harboured due to the consequences of delegating the packaging task to Ken.

An error arises due to negligence of duty, which she perceives not to be