Examining the Validity of Common and Unique Factors of the Dark Triad for Predicting Judgments About Dishonest Behaviors at Work

Abstract: The current study examined how shared and unique elements of the Dark Triad (DT; narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy) predict judgments about dishonest behaviors in work contexts. The tendency to deceive others for selfish gains, a common feature among DT traits, provides a strong theoretical basis for linking DT traits to dishonesty. However, each DT trait also contains unique elements that may co-determine dishonesty. Using a bifactor model, we partitioned the total variance of the DT measures into a general factor reflecting shared features of DT traits and specific factors reflecting unique elements associated with each DT trait. We then examined the validity of the general and specific factors in predicting judgments about honest behaviors in various work contexts. Data were collected from 403 full-time employees in South Korea who completed measures of DT traits and a situational judgment test measuring honesty-humility. Results showed that the general factor significantly predicted lower honesty, whereas specific factors did not provide meaningful substantive prediction. These findings underscore the central role of a common antisocial core in the DT traits and highlight the value of modeling shared variance when predicting ethically relevant workplace behavior.