The Dark Triad

Psychopaths, Narcissists and Machiavellians in the Workplace

Brendan Coleman, Victor Dulewicz

• Publisher: Emerald Publishing Limited
• Year: 2025
• Print ISBN: 9781836620570
• eBook ISBN: 9781836620563
• Topic: Business
• Subtopic: Business Ethics
• Index: Business

The Dark Triad: Psychopaths, Narcissists, and Machiavellians in the Workplace offers an incisive examination of the underlying forces behind much of today's institutional dysfunction. With penetrating and measured analysis, the authors explore the troubling existence within organisations of narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy—aversive personality traits often hiding beneath thinly polished veneers of professionalism, and competence.

Rigorous analysis from authors Brendan Coleman and Victor Dulewicz reveals how these cunning, manipulative, and ruthless individuals ascend to power, leaving behind a trail of ethical compromise and damaged cultures. Drawing on compelling case studies, they illustrate how such personalities operate, from calculated charm to cold self-interest, and how their behaviours take root and flourish within modern institutions. Having read the book, the reader will learn how to, Identify Dark Triad traits in colleagues and leaders; Understand the psychological mechanisms and motivations behind their actions; Recognize signs of manipulation and deceit as well as; Develop strategies to protect themselves, their colleagues, and the broader organisation. A thought-provoking read for professionals and academics with an interest in corporate governance, as well as the lay person who wants to know more about what makes these individuals tick.

Table of contents

• Cover Page
• Half Title Page
• Title
• Copyright
• Contents
• Foreword
• 1. Introduction
• 2. Psychopathy
• Conclusion
• 3. Narcissism
• 4. Machiavellianism
• 5. Measuring Individuals’ Dark Triad Personalities
• 6. Proposed Management Actions for Dealing with the Dark Triad
• 7. The Dark Side of Organisations, Toxic Cultures and How Dark Triad Personalities Contribute
• 8. Concluding Thoughts
• About the Authors
• Index