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Week11LectureSlides.pptxWeek 11: The Dark Side of Leadership
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The Dark Triad of Leadership (Paulhus & Williams. 2002)
The Dark Triad is a constellation of overlapping personality constructs that are seen in three independent but related personality traits: Narcissism, Machiavellianism and Psychopathy.
Each of these three personality types share common features, but when it comes to behaviour, each type acts-out even worse behaviour than the one preceding it (one that is lower down on the scale).
Narcissism
This term came about because of the Greek myth of Narcissus, a young man who fell in love with his reflection after looking at himself in a pond of water. He became so engrossed in it that he fell into the water and drowned.
Consequently, narcissism has become synonymous with unhealthy self-love. Pathological narcissists are prideful, lack empathy for others and have a low tolerance for criticism. Narcissists have no qualms about manipulating others for their gain.
What is noteworthy is that most people are narcissistic to different degrees. Some self-love is healthy but pathological narcissism is problematic.
Machiavellianism
16th-century Italian diplomat, Niccolo Machiavelli gets the credit for the term ‘Machiavellianism.’
It came from his book ‘The Prince,’ which condoned cunning, deceit, and self-interest. The book said that these qualities were necessary for political gain.
People with this trait can take lying to new heights. They have limited moral capacity for, and empathy towards, others.
Psychopathy
Those with psychopathic traits have limited empathy for others. Because they have little remorse, they often show anti-social behaviors. Many of them are explosive and controlling.
Note that having these qualities does not make a person a psychopath. Many people have some of these qualities but they are necessarily psychopathic.
True psychopathy is distinguished by callousness, impulsivity, and enduring antisocial bold behavior. It is different from sociopathy (see picture).
Behavior genetics: Nature or nurture?
All three have substantial genetic components, as well environmental influences
All three types (narcissism to a lesser degree) scored low on agreeableness, measured by the Big Five personality test that assesses extraversion, neuroticism, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and openness. Agreeableness involves trustworthiness, unselfishness, straightforwardness, compliance, kindness, and modesty, which are essential for good relationships.
Machiavellians and psychopaths are more lacking in conscientiousness. (Why work when you can cheat and steal!) Psychopaths have the lowest level of neuroticism or negative emotions, which makes them the most sinister. Both have low levels of agreeableness. Predictably, narcissists were more open and much more extroverted. Openness correlates with evidence that narcissists tend to be creative.
Workplace Outcomes (Furnham et al. 2013, p. 206-207)
The Dark Triad personalities are evident in notions of ‘toxic leadership’, ‘snakes in suits’, and ‘bad bosses’.
In certain contexts, the Dark Triad have proved to be advantageous. In the words of Hogan (2007), dark traits help people ‘‘get ahead of’’ but not necessarily ‘‘get along with’’ others in the work place. However, they typically derail somewhere down the line, although they can be highly successful early on.
All three of the Dark Triad personalities generally proclaim a social dominance orientation. All three are rated high in ruthless self-advancement.
All three traits tend to be more immoral (lack of values, “deadly sins,” and moral disengagement, i.e. “standards don’t apply to me”), and use antisocial tactics (cheating, lying, negative humour, and bullying) (Lancer, 2018).
How to deal with such people?
First of all, people with these qualities often have difficulty managing their anger. At work, their anger may show in passive-aggressive behaviors like ignoring people or sulking. It is important not to take the behavior personally because it is often not about you.
Take some time to listen to their concerns and counsel them about their behavior. Stand your ground. If they are bullies, confront them and hold them responsible.
Another way you can cope with such characters is to avoid contact whenever possible. Use emails if you need to get in touch with them. People with the Dark Triad are often charming. Experts suggest that they rely on their looks to get their way.
The Light Triad of Leadership (Kaufman et al. 2019)
Kantianism - treating people as ends unto themselves, not mere means
Humanism - valuing the dignity and worth of each individual
Faith in Humanity - believing in the fundamental goodness of humans
“I still believe, in spite of everything, that people are truly good at heart.” – Anne Frank
