Relations between the Dark Tetrad traits and the subjective indicators of career success

Abstract

This research aimed to examine the relations between the Dark Tetrad traits (Machiavellianism, narcissism, psychopathy, and sadism) and the subjective indicators of career success (job and career satisfaction), considering their multidimensionality. The sample consisted of 227 employees (27% male) who completed the following instruments: the Serbian adaptations of the Job Satisfaction Survey, the Career Satisfaction Scale, the Mach-IV, the Narcissistic Admiration and Rivalry Questionnaire, the Levenson Self-Report Psychopathy Scale, and the Short Scale of Sadistic Impulses. A hierarchical regression analysis was applied, with the demographic characteristics (gender, level of education, work tenure) introduced in the first block of predictors to control for their effects, and the Dark Tetrad traits introduced in the second block, while the criteria included various aspects of job and career satisfaction. The results showed that Machiavellianism was the dominant negative predictor of the subjective indicators of career success, especially the nature of work and communication within the organization, while secondary psychopathy had a significant negative effect on communication satisfaction. Narcissistic admiration was related to the dissatisfaction with the working conditions and relationships with co-workers. Primary psychopathy, narcissistic rivalry, and sadism did not show a significant contribution to subjective career success, although they showed negative correlations with the satisfaction with co-workers.