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Fatal attraction: A systematic review and research agenda of the dark triad in entrepreneurship

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  • Brownell, Katrina M.
  • McMullen, Jeffery S.
  • O'Boyle, Ernest H.

Abstract

Using meta-analytic techniques, relations among the Dark Triad personality traits – Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy – were examined in relation to outcomes associated with two different stages of the entrepreneurial process: entrepreneurial intention and entrepreneurial performance. From 39 independent samples (N = 11,819), we found that Machiavellianism positively relates to entrepreneurial intention (rc = 0.16) and negatively relates to entrepreneurial performance (rc = −0.22), narcissism positively relates to entrepreneurial intention (rc = 0.24) and entrepreneurial performance (rc = 0.09), and psychopathy positively relates to entrepreneurial intention (rc = 0.17) and negatively relates to entrepreneurial performance (rc = −0.10). Amid conflicting empirical results and theoretical viewpoints, we leverage our findings to present an exploration into how and why the Dark Triad personality traits relate to the initiation and performance of entrepreneurship. We interpret the existing literature through the lens of Nietzsche's will to power and propose that power acquired over others (domination) is likely to be as viable a predictor of entrepreneurial agency as power removed from others (emancipation). Limitations to the primary studies included in our review are thoroughly examined, and we offer direction for future research.

Suggested Citation

  • Brownell, Katrina M. & McMullen, Jeffery S. & O'Boyle, Ernest H., 2021. "Fatal attraction: A systematic review and research agenda of the dark triad in entrepreneurship," Journal of Business Venturing, Elsevier, vol. 36(3).
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:jbvent:v:36:y:2021:i:3:s0883902621000161
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jbusvent.2021.106106
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    Cited by:

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    2. Katrina M. Brownell & Audra Quinn & Mark T. Bolinger, 2024. "The Triad Divided: A Curvilinear Mediation Model Linking Founder Machiavellianism, Narcissism, and Psychopathy to New Venture Performance," Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, , vol. 48(1), pages 310-348, January.
    3. Hoang, Giang & Luu, Tuan Trong & Le, Thuy Thu Thi & Tran, Anh Kim Thi, 2022. "Dark Triad traits affecting entrepreneurial intentions: The roles of opportunity recognition and locus of control," Journal of Business Venturing Insights, Elsevier, vol. 17(C).
    4. García-Lillo, Francisco & Seva-Larrosa, Pedro & Sánchez-García, Eduardo, 2023. "What is going on in entrepreneurship research? A bibliometric and SNA analysis," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 158(C).
    5. Bacq, Sophie & Drover, Will & Kim, Phillip H., 2021. "Writing bold, broad, and rigorous review articles in entrepreneurship," Journal of Business Venturing, Elsevier, vol. 36(6).
    6. Lien, Wan-Chien & Chen, Jianhong & Sohl, Jeffrey, 2022. "Do I have a big ego? Angel investors' narcissism and investment behaviors," Journal of Business Venturing, Elsevier, vol. 37(5).
    7. Rahul Yadav & Safal Batra, 2023. "Does Narcissism Influence Entrepreneurial Intentions? A Theory of Planned Behaviour Perspective," Journal of Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Emerging Economies, Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India, vol. 32(2), pages 449-478, July.
    8. Beate Cesinger & Katherine Gundolf & Mathew Hughes & Anis Khedhaouria & Francesco Montani, 2023. "The bright and dark sides of the Dark Triad traits among senior managers: effects on organizational commitment," Review of Managerial Science, Springer, vol. 17(5), pages 1731-1763, July.
    9. Shepherd, Dean A. & Seyb, Stella & Williams, Trenton A., 2023. "Empathy-driven entrepreneurial action: Well-being outcomes for entrepreneurs and target beneficiaries," Journal of Business Venturing, Elsevier, vol. 38(2).
    10. Granados, Maria L. & Rosli, Ainurul & Gotsi, Manto, 2022. "Staying poor: Unpacking the process of barefoot institutional entrepreneurship failure," Journal of Business Venturing, Elsevier, vol. 37(3).

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