The Impact of Aesthetic and Professionally-Related Objects on Credibility in the Office Setting.

This study was designed to measure the impact of two kinds of microenvironmental variables, professionally‐related and aesthetic objects, on specific dimensions of credibility that define the image of the occupant of a faculty office. Presence of professionally‐related objects in the office enhanced both the occupant's perceived authoritativeness and trustworthiness, while presence of aesthetic objects enhanced perceptions of trustworthiness. Communicative implications of the findings are discussed.