Developing a Taxonomy of Dark Triad Triggers at Work – A Grounded Theory Study Protocol

Abstract

In past years, research and corporate scandals have evidenced the destructive effects of the dark triad at work, consisting of narcissism (extreme self-centeredness), psychopathy (lack of empathy and remorse) and Machiavellianism (a sense of duplicity and manipulativeness). The dark triad dimensions have typically been conceptualized as stable personality traits, ignoring the accumulating evidence that momentary personality expressions – personality states – may change due to the characteristics of the situation. The present research protocol describes a qualitative study that aims to identify triggers of dark triad states at work by following a grounded theory approach using semi-structured interviews. By building a comprehensive categorization of dark triad triggers at work scholars may study these triggers in a parsimonious and structured way and organizations may derive more effective interventions to buffer or prevent the detrimental effects of dark personality at work.

Dark triad personalities and counterproductive work behaviors among physicians in China

“…Because of the predominant view of the DTP as a compilation of stable traits, situational cues eliciting DTP behavior have not been considered of interest so far, and research has failed to address the role of situational factors in eliciting momentary expressions of dark personality characteristics . We argue that the relationship between the DTP and CWBs is mediated by variables that represent the work setting .…”

Translation Issues in Grounded Theory

“…Should the interviews be conducted in English or in Greek? The consensus in the literature is that data must be gathered in the local language (Nübold et al, 2017;Nurjannah et al, 2014), but nevertheless, English offered several advantages. Firstly, we are both fluent in English, and most participants could be expected to have some knowledge of the language.…”

“…There is no consensus in the literature. Nübold et al (2017) suggest that the original language should be used for as long as possible, and that translation should take place once the analysis has been completed. Suh, Kagan and Strumpf (2009) suggest that translation should occur during the analysis phase.…”

“…For instance, Tarozzi (2013) explores how the translation into Italian of Glaser and Strauss' (1967) seminal work, 'Discovery of Grounded Theory', has parallels with GT principles, whereas Wehrmeyer (2014) seeks to incorporate the principles of GT into translation studies, but does not actually conduct a GT study. Nübold et al (2017) adopt a GT methodology that combines English and German data, but the bulk of their paper focuses on the products of the study rather than a detailed discussion of the processes involved in collecting and analysing multilingual data. In none of these cases do the authors explore how to 'do' translation-focused GT research.…”

The Dark Triad Of Personality And Work Efficiency Of Kindergarten Teachers

“…(e.g., Cohen, 2016;Nübold et al, 2017;O'Boyle, Forsyth, Banks, & McDaniel, 2012;Spain, Harms, & LeBreton, 2014). However, the literature review shows that such studies do not yet include the area of professional activity of kindergarten teachers and in fact have not been conducted neither in Russia nor in other countries.…”