Abstract
Based on the conflict-of-values theory, this study examines the influences of Machiavellianism and ethical values on anxiety in college students when they face moral dilemmas. Questionnaires on the Chinese equivalent of Machiavellianism, moral identity, and anxiety were completed by 115 Chinese college students. The results suggest that Machiavellianism and ethical values influence anxiety, and the interaction between ethical values and Machiavellianism is significant—among individuals with high ethical values, those with high levels of Machiavellianism exhibit markedly higher levels of anxiety than those with low levels of Machiavellianism. However, among individuals with low ethical values, there is no difference in anxiety between those with low or high levels of Machiavellianism. This research, depicting complex relationships among anxiety, Machiavellianism, and ethical values, suggests that leading people to do good deeds not only requires high ethical values but also necessitates the resistance to negative values such as Machiavellianism.
Highlights
Human behavior is influenced by individuals’ values
The results indicated that the influence of social desirability on Machiavellianism and ethical values was not significant
Social desirability was included as a covariate in analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) during statistical analysis, which further excluded its effects on the dependent variable
Summary
To realize the Chinese dream of national rejuvenation, the Chinese government advocated 24 core socialist values, including prosperity, democracy, civility, harmony, freedom, equality, justice, the rule of law, patriotism, dedication, integrity, and friendliness (Wu, 2009). These values are intended to guide people to do good things. Dishonest, and sometimes evil (Locke, 1967). The core social values pool positive energy, which is contrary to selfish and evil values. Core social values encourage people to be patriotic, dedicated, integrous, and genial, while people who are high in Machiavellianism are likely to engage in unethical and counterproductive work behaviors (Winter et al, 2004)
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