The Rise (And Fall?) of Dark Personalities: The Moderating Effect of Perceived Success on the Relationship Between the Dark Triad and Counterproductive Work Behaviors

This paper advances a conceptual model about the causes and processes that cause Dark Triad personalities’ success and/or failure. The model a explains how and why those with Dark Triad personalities sometimes succeed and sometimes fail in achieving their personal goals in their organization. The model posits that those with Dark Triad personalities with higher levels of perceived success and high overconfidence, high perceived power, and a high level of risk-taking intention will be more inclined to ignore signals from their environment regarding the appropriate timing and circumstances to act–a vital characteristic for successful predators.