Date of Award
5-2025
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department
Psychology
First Advisor
Gary N. Burns, Ph.D.
Second Advisor
Patrick D. Converse, Ph.D.
Third Advisor
Lisa A. Steelman, Ph.D.
Fourth Advisor
Keiron Hylton, J.D., MBA
Abstract
The Dark Core of personality represents a unified construct underlying various maladaptive traits, including Machiavellianism, narcissism, psychopathy, and other behaviors such as sadism, greed, and spitefulness. This dissertation investigates the comparative utility of two measures of the Dark Core in predicting organizational outcomes: a novel measure based on the Dark Triad framework and an established measure encompassing a broader range of dark traits. Using archival data from 339 employed student participants recruited through university platforms, this study examines the relationships between the Dark Core and key workplace outcomes, including counterproductive work behaviors (CWBs), organizational citizenship behaviors (OCBs), team member exchange (TMX), turnover intentions, affective organizational commitment, and job satisfaction. Structural equation modeling and regression analyses were employed to assess the measures' predictive validity, providing insights into the nuanced interplay between dark personality traits and workplace dynamics. Results reveal significant correlations between the Dark Core and both negative outcomes, such as increased CWBs, turnover intentions, and diminished job satisfaction, as well as reductions in positive behaviors such as OCBs and TMX. Findings also demonstrate that while the broader measure captures a more comprehensive range of behaviors, the novel Dark Triad-focused measure provides precise insights into high-impact traits like manipulation, deceit, and a lack of empathy. This research underscores the theoretical and practical significance of understanding the Dark Core, emphasizing its pervasive influence on workplace interactions, team cohesion, and employee retention. Implications for practice include recommendations for integrating measures of the Dark Core into talent management and leadership strategies to mitigate the harmful effects of these traits, improve team dynamics, and foster healthier organizational cultures. By addressing these underlying personality traits, organizations can enhance workplace ethics, employee engagement, and overall effectiveness while reducing the risks posed by individuals with high levels of the Dark Core.
Recommended Citation
Harrell, Cody Eric, "Navigating the Dark Waters: The Impact of the Dark Core of Personality on Workplace Outcomes" (2025). Theses and Dissertations. 1528.
https://repository.fit.edu/etd/1528
