THE DARK TRIAD AND ADVICE SEEKING BEHAVIOR

Abstract

This research study seeks to gain a better understanding of the effects of the dark triad (narcissism, Machiavellianism, psychopathy) on advice seeking behaviors. This research examined whether or not the dark triad traits would result in working professionals being more or less likely to seek advice when facing an ethical dilemma. There is a very small amount of existing research on advice seeking behavior. What little research is available does not investigate the effects of the Dark Triad traits on advice seeking. I predicted that those with elevated levels of narcissism and psychopathy would be less likely to seek advice. I also predicted that Machiavellianism would have no relationship with advice seeking unless there was a potential for personal gain. This study recruited working professionals, with the intention of learning more about how the dark triad may impact decision making in the workplace.