This study examines how Dark Triad traits influence workplace gossip, focusing on the mediating role of malicious envy and the moderating effect of future orientation. Drawing on socioemotional selectivity theory, the research analyzes data from 201 employees to explore how these traits influence gossip behaviors through a moderated mediation model. The findings reveal that narcissism and psychopathy are positively linked to malicious envy, while Machiavellianism has no significant effect. Malicious envy is associated with negative gossip and inversely with positive gossip. Mediation analysis indicates that narcissism and psychopathy drive negative gossip via malicious envy, while Machiavellianism does not. Future orientation strengthens the link between malicious envy and negative gossip, while weakening its connection to positive gossip. Additionally, future orientation moderates the mediating effect of malicious envy on the relationship between Dark Triad traits and gossip, suggesting that individuals with higher future orientation are more likely to engage in negative gossip and less in positive gossip due to their long-term focus. This study enhances understanding of how personality traits and future orientation shape workplace gossip dynamics, offering practical implications for organizations to manage these traits and promote a positive work environment.
