Self-Monitoring Scale

Abstract

Self-monitoring represents a social psychological construct of expressive behavior and self-presentation. The original 25-item Self-Monitoring Scale was developed by Snyder (1974) to measure the extent to which individuals differ in their use of social cues to guide behavior. High self-monitors tailor their behavior to fit the social context and make a good impression (Snyder, 1979). Low self-monitors are less responsive to situational and interpersonal cues (Snyder & Cantor, 1980). Social psychologists were the earliest users of the Self-Monitoring Scale, but its use has expanded to include researchers studying organizational behavior, group and organizational management, consumer marketing, and human relations. Researchers report a relationship between self-monitoring and impression management, leader emergence, career success, and citizenship behaviors.