The Dark Triad in Managers: Expression and Its Association with Leadership Style
S. D. Tomilovskiy, A. M. KonovalovaIntroduction
The Dark Triad refers to a cluster of three interrelated personality traits – Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy – which can significantly influence professional behavior. In managerial contexts, these traits often manifest in decision-making strategies, interpersonal attitudes, and preferred leadership styles.
Objectives
To examine differences in the expression of Dark Triad traits among managers at various organizational levels and to analyze their association with leadership styles.
Methods
The study involved 30 managers from different levels of organizational responsibility.
Dark Triad traits were assessed using the “Dirty Dozen” questionnaire.
Leadership styles were evaluated with the Management Decision-Making Styles Scale (Fetiskin et al.).
The relationship between variables was calculated using Pearson’s correlation coefficient.
Results
Managers at the highest organizational level showed the highest expression of Dark Triad traits, particularly in combination with situational and implementer leadership styles.
In contrast, middle- and lower-level managers predominantly demonstrated a permissive leadership style, which was associated with lower Dark Triad scores.
Correlation analysis revealed:
a positive association between the implementer style and narcissism; a negative relationship between the permissive style and all three Dark Triad traits; a moderate positive association between the situational style and Machiavellianism.
Conclusions
The findings suggest that certain Dark Triad traits may function as adaptive mechanisms in managerial contexts and are linked to more flexible and outcome-oriented leadership styles, particularly at higher organizational levels.
Disclosure of Interest
None Declared