14619: Hidden Benefits of Dark Personality Traits in Driving Sustainable Workplace Behaviors

Saturday, July 26, 2025

13:00 - 14:00 CEST (GMT+2)

Location: Bella Center: Hub (Orange) Poster 203

Session Type: Poster
Orientation: Practice,Research
Shareable link: https://cdmcd.co/WyxYd8

Author(s)

IC

Isotilia Costa Melo

CEREFIGE (Centre Européen de Recherche en Économie Financière et Gestion des Entreprises), France
JL

Jeanne Le Roy

ICN Business School, United Kingdom
SH

Sarah Hoenigsberg

ICN Business School, France
HW

Hendrik Wache

ICN Business School
JC

Jéssica Syrio Callefi

-, Brazil

The study examines how employees’ personality traits of the Dark Triad (narcissism, psychopathy, and Machiavellianism) can positively influence workplace sustainability through Sustainable Positive Deviance (SPD). Analyzing 690 responses in two studies, findings reveal these traits can foster societal and sustainability-oriented behaviors (SB and SOB) driving SPD. Organizational green culture impacts SB and SOB but not SPD. Results suggest that promoting SB as a precursor to sustainability and recognizing unconventional ethical actions can enhance organizational innovation. Surprisingly, traits typically viewed as unfavorable can contribute positively. Practical recommendations include fostering cultures valuing ethical deviance and leadership autonomy to achieve sustainability goals and innovation. Further research is needed.

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