Identifying dark personality profiles in working adults

The interactions among the dark personality traits have drawn relatively less research attention compared to the extant literature focusing on the relationships between individual dark personality traits and other constructs. The present study used a person-centered approach, latent profile analysis, to examine the interactions of the dark tetrad personality traits (i.e., Machiavellianism, narcissism, psychopathy, and sadism). A sample of 373 working adults responded to the four measures of dark personality at Time 1 and deviant workplace outcomes at Time 2. Three profiles emerged: Low Trait, Moderate Trait, and High Sadism. Profiles were validated using a mixture model with auxiliary variables, which showed that the profiles were differentially related to different forms of dysfunctional workplace behaviors. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.

Automated summary

The study used a person-centered approach to examine the interactions among the dark tetrad personality traits and their relationship to deviant workplace outcomes. Three profiles emerged, validated by a mixture model using auxiliary variables, showing differential relationships with various forms of dysfunctional workplace behaviors. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.