Abstract
Orientation: Numerous studies have been conducted on the nexus between the Dark Triad personality traits, inter alia, psychopathy, Machiavellianism and narcissism, and the influence thereof within the context of work. However, a paucity of studies underscores the interaction between these traits with career interests and success, particularly within the South African context.
Research purpose: This study aimed to investigate the direct and indirect effect of the Dark Triad traits on career interest and career success. More specifically, regarding the indirect effect, the study aimed to determine whether the Dark Triad traits moderate the nexus between career interests and career success.
Motivation for the study: While previous literature has shown that individuals who work in careers that align with internalised interests are more likely to succeed, it is unclear how the Dark Triad traits influence the mentioned relationship. Consequently, this research seeks to investigate whether individuals with dark triad traits achieve career success when their interests align with roles typically suited to these traits.
Research approach and design: A quantitative approach utilising a cross-sectional design was used. Through convenience sampling 406 responses were obtained from economically active participants. The structured self-reported survey included the South African Career Interest Inventory (SACII-Short), The Dark Triad Dirty Dozen (DTDD) and the Subjective Career Success Inventory (SCSI). Structural equation modelling (SEM) and moderation analysis using process macro model by Hayes (2018) were performed to examine the data.
Main findings: Results indicated that psychopathy had a statistically significant negative effect on both career interests and career success. Contrarily, narcissism did not have a statistically significant impact on either career interest or career success. Machiavellianism had a detrimental effect on career success but not career interest. The moderation analysis confirmed that psychopathy moderates the relationship between investigative career interest and career success negatively, underscoring the disruptive nature of this trait on career outcomes. The relationship between psychopathy and investigative career interest was statistically significant (β = -0.1102; p=0.042) which indicated that increased levels of the psychopathy trait, weakened the relationship between investigative career interests and subjective career success.
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Practical or managerial implications: Findings of the research study emphasise that organisations should practice caution when hiring or promoting individuals with Dark Triad traits, particularly in positions requiring collaboration, trust and long-term success. This could be achieved by integrating personality assessments such as the DTDD into recruitment and talent development interventions to reduce the negative consequences of the mentioned attributes on career success.
Contribution: The research reported on further contributes to the corpus of knowledge on personality and career psychology by investigating the moderating role of psychopathy in the relationship between latent variables, viz. career interest and career success. Additionally, it emphasises the significant role of negative personality traits within the South African workplace.