The Dark Triad and social behavior: The influence of self-construal and power distance

This study examined the relationship of Dark Triad traits with interpersonal facilitation (IF) and interpersonal counterproductive work behavior (ICWB) through the mediators of independent and interdependent self-construals and power distance. Using multigroup latent variable modeling, we examined differences in this model between the United States (n = 204) and the Philippines (n = 265). Machiavellianism was unrelated to any mediators or outcomes. Narcissism was positively related to independence in both countries, and narcissism was negatively related to interdependence and positively related to power distance in the Philippines. Psychopathy was negatively related to IF in the U.S. only and positive to ICWBs in both countries. Psychopathy was negatively related to interdependence in the U.S. but positively related to interdependence in the Philippines, and positively related to power distance in the U.S. Independent and interdependent self-construal were positively related to IF and negatively related to ICWB. Power distance was negatively related to IF and positively related to ICWB. Indirect mediation relationships were also found in both countries. The findings suggest that the Dark Triad traits operate differently across the countries due in part to differences in the cultural variables of self-construal and power distance. Limitations and directions for future research are discussed.