The Dark Triad Traits of Professionals Working in Different Professions

Abstract

Certain personality traits can lead to the choice of a certain type of profession. Following this reasoning, the Dark Triad may also influence professional choices. In this regard, the present study is completed with the aims to explore whether there are also pre-existing Dark Triad traits differences across different professionals working in different professions; and predict and establish correlation in professions and the Dark Triad traits. Also, the purpose of the study is to compare the Dark Triad traits of different professionals according to their gender and professional experiences. A set of paper-pencil test (Short Dark Triad – Jones & Paulhus, 2014) was administered on 249 professionals who were working as administrative officers, advocates, political leaders, teachers, doctors, and police (152 males and 97 females) from Ahmednagar, Maharashtra (India). Descriptive and inferential statistics techniques were performed for data interpretation.  The results show that the Dark Triad trait is more prevalent in male professionals who choose certain professions. The Dark Triad trait is more common especially in leaders, advocates and administrative officers than teachers, doctors and police. Gender differences were found on the Dark Triad traits (psychopathy and Machiavellianism) and Dark Triad composite, except narcissism. Overall, the Dark Triad traits were found to be more prevalent in male professionals than female professionals. However, such differences have not been observed between professionals with less than ten years of experience and professionals with more than ten years of experience. Further, result revealed also that professions and gender are significant predictors of the Dark Triad traits.