Publication Type

Journal Article

Version

acceptedVersion

Publication Date

1-2015

Abstract

Organizational researchers increasingly recognize the need to consider the Dark Triad traits (i.e., psychopathy, Machiavellianism, and narcissism) when explaining undesirable work outcomes (e.g., counterproductive behaviors). However, little research has focused on the motivations of those who actually hold the traits. In this study (N = 361) we examined how the Dark Triad traits predispose individuals to perceive situations as competitive, prestigious, and comprised of restrictions (i.e., autonomy) which differentially predict job satisfaction. Individuals high on psychopathy and Machiavellianism perceived their workplaces as competitive, whereas individuals high on narcissism perceived their workplaces as prestigious and with fewer restrictions. Sex differences in perceptions were fully mediated by psychopathy and Machiavellianism. We discuss our results from an Evolutionary Industrial/Organization Psychology framework.

Keywords

Narcissism, Psychopathy, Machiavellianism, Dark Triad, Job satisfaction, Workplace climate

Discipline

Industrial and Organizational Psychology | Social Psychology

Research Areas

Psychology

Publication

Personality and Individual Differences

Volume

72

First Page

112

Last Page

116

ISSN

1873-3549

Identifier

10.1016/j.paid.2014.08.026

Publisher

Elsevier

Copyright Owner and License

Authors

Additional URL

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2014.08.026

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