Scientists have discovered why those who are commonly called the "bad guys" can expect to be successful more often than others. It turned out that some personality flaws in this case can play into the hands.
The Swiss researchers' findings have been published in Social Psychological and Personality Science, and a summary is available in Business Insider. Almost 800 German citizens were surveyed, whose age ranged from 25 to 34 years old and who have just started taking their first career steps.
The so-called "dark triad" is at the center of the new study. In psychology, it implies the presence of such traits as narcissism, Machiavellianism and psychopathy. Megalomania, pride, narcissism, and lack of empathy speaks of narcissism. Machiavellianism is characterized by lies, manipulation of others, their exploitation, as well as disregard for moral norms. Among the manifestations of psychopathy, there are features such as selfishness, heartlessness and ruthlessness.
Scientists conducted a survey aimed at identifying the features of the "dark triad". Some of the questions were about, for example, the habit of drawing attention to oneself. In addition, the experts tried to find out the career success of young people. They were asked about their position, salary, and satisfaction with the current state of affairs.
It turned out that two of the three components of the "dark triad" - narcissism and Machiavellianism - contribute to career success. Meanwhile, psychopathy has no positive effect. Machiavellianism turned out to be good because it is inextricably linked with the great ambitions of a person. Those who are subject to narcissism know how to make a good impression on others. The latter, in particular, helps with hiring and communicating with clients. At the same time, psychopathy, in which a person can behave aggressively and antisocial, does not contribute to career success.
The term "Machiavellianism" comes from the name of the thinker from Italy Niccolo Machiavelli, as well as the ideas that the latter outlined in the famous book "The Emperor". In political science, the term assumes a cult of brute force, disregard for moral norms, etc.
Swiss scientists note that the conditionally positive traits of the "dark triad", although they contribute to personal success, have a negative impact on the work of the entire organization. Among the possible consequences of hiring such people is an increase in corruption.
