The Role of Dark Personality Traits in Predicting Counterproductive Work Behaviors

Yousefi, Rahim; Yousefi, Behnam

doi:10.22055/jiops.2023.43044.1334

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

Rahim Yousefi ¹
Behnam Yousefi ²

¹ Associate Professor, Department of Psychology, Azarbaijan Shahid Madani University, Tabriz, Iran

² MA in Economical Science, Islamic Azad University, Branch of Urmia, Urmia, Iran

https://doi.org/10.22055/jiops.2023.43044.1334

Abstract

Introduction
One of the important issues in the field of employee differences in terms of the tendency towards counterproductive work behaviors is the personality traits. Individual and organizational performance has a direct relationship with the behaviors and personality traits of employees. The purpose of the present research was to study the role of dark personality traits (Machiavellianism, psychopathy, narcissism, sadism and spitefulness) in predicting counterproductive work behaviors (misuse, production deviance, sabotage, theft, withdrawal).

Method
The statistical population was the employees of the governmental and non-
governmental offices and organizations of Khoy City, 200 employees were selected as statistical sample through a convenient sampling method. Instruments included Dark Personality Traits and the Counterproductive Work Behavior Questionnaires. Data were analyzed using correlation and stepwise regression methods through SPSS 23 software.

Results
The results showed that dark personality traits, including; Machiavellianism, psychopathy, narcissism, sadism and spitefulness are related significantly with counterproductive work behaviors (misuse, production deviance, sabotage, theft, withdrawal) and psychopathy have relationship to all counterproductive work behaviors. Regression analysis showed that the misuse behaviors (R²=0.22) by Machiavellianism, psychopathy and narcissism; The production deviance (R²=0.24) by psychopathy, sadism and spitefulness; The sabotage (R²=0.12) by psychopathy and sadism; The theft (R²=0.08) by psychopathy; And finally, the withdrawal (R²=0.13) was predicted by psychopathy and narcissism.

Discussion
Personality traits and especially abnormal personality traits are in the first row of influential factors in ineffective and counterproductive work behaviors. In this way, they can be considered as strong predictors of different forms of deviant behaviors in the workplace. It can be concluded that personality traits are one of the most important predictors of counterproductive work behaviors. One of the important applications of the findings is that through these personality analyses it is possible to identify personality patterns that are effective in counterproductive work behaviors that leads to some costs for organizations and industries.

Keywords

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The Role of Dark Personality Traits in Predicting Counterproductive Work Behaviors

References

References

Volume 9, Issue 1April 2022Pages 61-82

Volume 9, Issue 1
April 2022
Pages 61-82