Impact of Personality and Psychopathy on Deviant Workplace Behaviour: Systemic Approach

Abstract

Objectives: The main aim of this study was to examine the effect of the HEXACO domains and triarchic psychopathy dimensions on interpersonal and organisational deviant workplace behaviour. Methods/Approach: The Workplace Deviance Measure, HEXACO-PI-R and Triarchic Psychopathy Measure were applied to a sample of 429 workers recruited from employees of several IT organisations and education staff working in higher education. Results: Results showed that honesty-humility and agreeableness significantly predicted both interpersonal and organisational workplace deviance, and agreeableness showed significant effects on interpersonal workplace deviance. Openness to experience was unrelated to both interpersonal and organisational workplace deviance, but extraversion positively predicted organisational deviance. All triarchic dimensions (boldness, meanness, and disinhibition) showed significant effects on both interpersonal and organisational workplace deviance. Conclusions: Findings indicate that honesty-humility, agreeableness, and conscientiousness significantly enhance the probability of developing positive relationships with co-workers. Triarchic psychopathy features demonstrate considerable maladaptive potential, consequently presenting a significant risk factor for the development of positive workplace interactions.