Peter Jonason, Ph.D.
Senior Lecturer in Personality or Individual Differences
School of Social Sciences and Psychology
University of Western Sydney
The Dark Triad traits describe behavioral or attitudinal tendencies characterized by vanity and self-centeredness (i.e. narcissism), manipulation and cynicism (i.e. Machiavellianism), callous social attitudes and impulsivity (i.e. psychopathy). Traditionally, these traits tend to be vilified in the media and seen as pathologies by researchers. This may have lead researchers away from trying to understand the way these traits shape people’s lives, including their work lives.
In one study we examined the role the Dark Triad traits play in predicting tactics workplace manipulation. In two cross-sectional studies, we examined the vocational interests of those high in the Dark Triad traits. In a third study, 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. Collectively, the studies suggest that those high on these traits have a unique way of orienting towards work that may be consistent with the priorities that come with being high on the Dark Triad traits.
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