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Narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy of top managers: Can Entrepreneurial Orientation secure performance?

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  • Ricarda Bouncken
  • Beate Cesinger
  • Victor Tiberius

Abstract

Numerous studies show that high levels of Entrepreneurial Orientation (EO) in firms positively influence firm performance. Yet, high levels of Dark Triad (DT) traits - narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy - of managers might work detrimental to EO. Our study empirically tests if top managers who score high on Dark Triad traits have a negative influence on firm performance, reducing the merits of EO. Results of a survey study on 191 firms show that all three dimensions of the DT, narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy, suppress the positive effects that EO has on firm performance. Accordingly, selfish behaviour, emotional coldness, propensity for duplicity, and top managers' quest for self promotion, status, and dominance lead to behaviour that reduces the positive influences around innovativeness, proactiveness, and risk-taking of EO.

Suggested Citation

  • Ricarda Bouncken & Beate Cesinger & Victor Tiberius, 2020. "Narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy of top managers: Can Entrepreneurial Orientation secure performance?," International Journal of Entrepreneurial Venturing, Inderscience Enterprises Ltd, vol. 12(3), pages 273-302.
    • Handle: RePEc:ids:ijeven:v:12:y:2020:i:3:p:273-302
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Julia Neuhaus & Andrew Isaak & Denefa Bostandzic, 2022. "Million dollar personality: a systematic literature review on personality in crowdfunding," Management Review Quarterly, Springer, vol. 72(2), pages 309-345, June.
    2. 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).
    3. Ferreras-Méndez, José Luis & Olmos-Peñuela, Julia & Salas-Vallina, Andrés & Alegre, Joaquín, 2021. "Entrepreneurial orientation and new product development performance in SMEs: The mediating role of business model innovation," Technovation, Elsevier, vol. 108(C).
    4. L. Maxim Laurijssen & Barbara Wisse & Stacey Sanders & Ed Sleebos, 2024. "How to Neutralize Primary Psychopathic Leaders’ Damaging Impact: Rules, Sanctions, and Transparency," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 189(2), pages 365-383, January.
    5. Wu, Wenqing & Wang, Hongxin & Wang, Xinchun, 2022. "Entrepreneur narcissism and new venture performance: A learning perspective," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 149(C), pages 901-915.
    6. 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.

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