The positive connection between dark triad traits and leadership levels in self- and other-ratings

Abstract

People with high dark triad tendencies are often found in leadership positions. Yet research is lacking on whether dark triad personality traits positively correlate with the height of leadership levels (no leadership position, low-level leaders, high-level leaders, head and founder of the company). To explore this relationship between the dark triad and these leadership levels, three studies (NGermany = 137; NHungary = 333; NBothCountries = 355) were conducted, to measure dark triad scores for each leadership level. The results reveal that people in higher leadership levels display both higher self-rated and subordinate-rated dark triad scores. Further research is needed to investigate whether this finding is replicable for more objective measures and longitudinal studies as well as cultural norms, which may discourage or support dark triad traits. As the organizations are an important factor in promoting ethic-oriented behavior in individuals, one practical implication could be increased focus on developing ethical behavior during the assessment and training of leadership positions.

Leading with a cool head and a warm heart: trait-based leadership resources linked to task performance, perceived stress, and work engagement

“…Past research (e.g., Blair et al, 2017 ) showed that there are several unethical leadership behaviors in which leaders with narcissism are likely to be engaged. Still, it is commonly thought that some characteristics of narcissism may be helpful in being hired as a leader (Diller et al, 2021 ).…”

Like Moths Into the Fire: How Dark Triad Leaders can be Both Threatening and Fascinating

“…In Study 1, participants were randomly assigned to the conditions: control condition (n = 76; non-DT leader of another team), experimental condition with a DT leader of another team (n = 60; DTdistant), DT leader of own team (n = 74; DTnear) and a DT leader of another team in another company (n = 45; DTverydistant). The DT description and a manipulation check were created based on the Dirty Dozen Scale (Jonason & Webster, 2010) with some additions based on the descriptions of the DT leader in the study by Diller et al (2021) (see Appendix 2). Items of the manipulation check ranged on a five-point Likert scale from 1 (not at all) to 5 (extremely) (see Appendix 2).…”

“…Several studies have shown that individuals with high tendencies toward the Dark Triad are more likely found in leadership positions (Babiak et al, 2010;Brunell et al, 2008;Diller et al, 2021;Grijalva et al, 2015;Harms et al, 2011;Landay et al, 2019;Palmen et al, 2021). The Dark Triad consists of subclinical [Subclinical dark triad behavior consists of the "same patterns of dysfunctional behaviors, affects, and cognitions; however, the pervasiveness and levels of impaired functioning are not as extreme because the individual manifests the symptoms at a commensurately lower level and rate.…”

“…Thus, there is a common dark core, making it very likely that one person does not only show high narcissism but also psychopathy or Machiavellianism (Akhtar et al 2013;Moshagen et al, 2018). The Dark Triad has been found to evoke a state of threat due to its manipulative, unethical, and both impulsive and strategic negative side (Diller et al, 2021).…”

“…BIS 5 activation puts a brake on approach-oriented behavior that is mediated by the behavioral approach system BAS), which is why BIS activation leads to diminished approach behavior toward the threatening stimulus (Jonas et al, 2014;Lüders et al, 2016). Recent research found that a Dark Triad leader can increase BIS and reduce BAS activation among their subordinates (Diller et al, 2021). Based on reinforcement sensitivity theory, threat-related responses in form of higher BIS and lower BAS activation occur particularly when the threat does not (yet) directly affect us -if the threat directly affects us, the Fight-Flight-Freeze system would be activated (Carver & White, 1994).…”