Wolves in Sheep's Clothing - A Study of Recruitment Processes and the Dark Triad's Allure

Abstract: Paulhus and Williams (2002) called attention to the three, while conceptually distinct, empirically overlapping personality constructs as a unified field of study, named the Dark Triad: Machiavellianism, subclinical narcissism, and subclinical psychopathy. The consensus of the present literature is that Dark Triad individuals are successful when it comes to seizing leadership positions, without necessarily having the ability to be successful once in those positions. Through a cross sectional interview series, this thesis explores the Swedish recruitment context as it relates to Dark Triad leaders: How aware are recruitment consultants and their clients of the traits? What is done to identify Dark triad individuals? A general awareness is present among recruitment consultants, but academic understanding of this young field is limited. Overall the ability and motivation is insufficient to fully identify Dark Triad characteristics during the recruitment process. This can be improved by adding Dark Triad detection tests to their assessment processes. Direct measures taken include result checking, contrasting self-conception and actual outcomes, derailment and counterproductive work behavior tests, extensive and formalized processes, and reliance on professional experience in interviews.