Dark Triad but a bright future? Socially malevolent personality traits and proactive career behavior

• Zilong Cui

  Jilin University of Finance and Economics

• Kaixin Zhang

  Shanghai International Studies University

We explored the effect of the toxic characteristics of the Dark Triad of personality traits, comprising narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy, on proactive career behavior, and the role of career adaptability as a mediator. We used two-wave lagged data from a survey conducted with 449 Master of Business Administration university students in China. Machiavellianism and narcissism were both positively related to proactive career behavior and career adaptability, but psychopathy was not positively related to either. Further, the effects of Machiavellianism and narcissism on proactive career behavior were mediated by career adaptability. Our results show that narcissism and Machiavellianism play a positive role in explaining important career-related behavior. Theoretical implications and directions for future research are discussed.

1. Zilong Cui, Jilin University of Finance and Economics
   Yatai School of Business Administration
2. Kaixin Zhang, Shanghai International Studies University
   School of International Business Administration

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