When do Machs feel threatened? An investigation into fair situations

Abstract

The Machiavellian (Mach) personality trait describes individuals who rely on manipulative strategies to achieve their goals, which are primarily extrinsic (money, success, power), often at the cost of interpersonal relationships. However, little is known about the environmental conditions that cue Machs to act in deviant ways. We explore the impact of fair environments on Machs’ perceptions of threat. Tested in an experimental study (N = 311), our results provide preliminary evidence that, contrary to normative responses to fairness, Machs have negative cognitive (experience threat) and behavioral intention (intimidation tactics) reactions to fair situations, and thus might actually function more normatively in unfair environments.