Machiavellianism and Management: A Review of Single-Nation Studies Exclusive of the USA and Cross-National Studies

Abstract

This is a review of literature on Machiavellianism involving single-nation studies exclusive of the USA and cross-national studies. The articles are empirical studies with a direct or indirect relationship to management. National groups with especially high and low scores on the Mach IV and Mach V are identified. Issues which need to be addressed include a sampling bias which favors students, a lack of field studies, questions raised about factor structure of common scales used to measure Machiavellianism, and inconsistencies in the results of studies involving the relationship of locus of control, achievement motivation, and authoritarianism to Machiavellianism. Research involving organizational context and job performance should be undertaken as should additional cross-national research.