The Dark Triad, Perceived Likability and the Similarity Effect

Chatelier, A.M.N. (2022) The Dark Triad, Perceived Likability and the Similarity Effect. Master thesis, Psychology.

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Abstract

The Dark Triad comprises narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy. These three traits overlap and share characteristics such as self-involvement, lack of empathy, and manipulative tendencies. This research focuses on the Dark Triad at work, as it has been found to be detrimental to employees and productivity in certain companies. Here we focus on how individuals with these traits end up in high or leadership positions. Although the Dark Triad traits are generally considered to be negative traits, people with high scores on the Dark Triad are relatively successful in their careers, possibly because they make a good first impression on people in general. This is examined in the present study. We also investigate whether first impressions of those with high Dark Triad scores are more favorable in the case of rater-target similarity. Participants were therefore asked to rate three different profiles: either high Dark Triad traits profiles or profiles low in the traits. Our research shows that all Dark Triad traits received less favorable ratings than low Dark Triad profiles. We also found that people who score higher in one trait seem to find individuals with that same trait as more likable and competent whereas individuals low in one of the traits do not. Moreover, we found that this applies to other Dark Triad traits as well. This is consistent with previous research on personality traits. One way to prevent this effect could be by creating a new hiring process that involves fewer first impressions and similarity biases.

Item Type:	Thesis (Master)
Supervisor name:	Barelds, D.P.H.
Degree programme:	Psychology
Differentiation route:	Work, Organizational and Personnel Psychology (WOP) [Master Psychology]
Date Deposited:	30 Aug 2022 10:01
Last Modified:	30 Aug 2022 10:01
URI:	http://gmwpublic.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/1366

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