EPV1142 - The Dark Triad in Managers: Expression and Its Association with Leadership Style
EPV1142
The Dark Triad in Managers: Expression and Its Association with Leadership Style
S. D. Tomilovskiy 1,*, A. M. Konovalova 1 2
1Faculty of Psychology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 2Department of Pedagogy and Medical Psychology, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation
Introduction: 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