Is Your Manager a Psychopath? An Evaluation of the Relationship between the Personality Types of Managers and Workers and the Levels of Psychopathy

Abstract

Psychopathy is a personality disorder characterized by a high lack of empathy (Hare, 1991), behavioral problems, problems in interpersonal relations, and mood-related issues. In psychopathy, interpersonal interactions are shaped and driven by antisocial behaviors, with the person displaying low affectivity, and acting superficially and acrimoniously in interpersonal relations (Rubio et al., 2014). The majority of studies on psychopathy focus on personality. In this study, we investigated the relationship of the personality types of employees with the level of psychopathy. In this context, answers were sought to the following questions:a)Does the level of psychopathy of employees vary according to civil status?b)Does the level of psychopathy of employees vary according to gender?c)Does the level of psychopathy of employees vary according to the position in which they are working?d)Is there a relationship between the level of psychopathy of employees and their personality traits?e)Do the personality traits of employees indicate their level of psychopathy?The study was performed with the participation of 237 individuals working at different levels and positions within the private sector in the city of Kayseri. Of these individuals, 18% (42) were upper level managers, 25% (60) were mid-level managers, and 57% (135) were employees. Study data were collected using a personal information form, a Ten Item Personality Inventory, and the Levenson Self-Report Psychopathy Scale. Study data were analyzed using the t-test, analysis of variance (ANOVA) correlation and regression methods. Based on the study results, it was determined that the psychopathy levels of employees did not vary according to gender or their current position, while it varied according to civil status. In addition, the level of psychopathy showed a negative relationship with sub-dimensions of personality; extroversion, compatibility, responsibility, and emotional balance. A number of recommendations were proposed based on these study results.