Dark Triad in Leaders

Dark Triad in Leaders examines how corporate and political history is filled with ‘successful’ figures who ultimately caused harm, sowed misery and destroyed organizations. Arménio Rego, Miguel Pina e Cunha, Ace V. Simpson, and Stewart R. Clegg explore the concept and consequences of ‘Dark Triad’ (DT) leaders, characterized by high levels of narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy. DT leaders are particularly dangerous because they resort to seductive and manipulative tactics to reach power and leadership positions and then, if left unchecked, instrumentalize others to pursue their own personal goals.

Providing mechanisms for preventing, managing and defending against DT leadership, the authors discuss cases of celebrated leaders that resulted in causing harm and destruction of livelihoods. They emphasize the need to avoid empowering these harmful traits and investigate how susceptible followers and conducive environments can enable individuals with DT characteristics to take power. The book draws on multiple fields, including leadership, organizational psychology, and business ethics, to portray the danger and irresponsibility of success earned at the expense of others. Through theoretical analysis and empirical cases, chapters shed light on the importance of protecting organizations, warning that business schools should be cautious about their teaching methods.

This book is a fascinating and crucial read for scholars and students of business leadership, human resource management, organizational behavior, and social psychology. Business professionals and those in management roles will also benefit from its practical insights.