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University of Bradford

Investigating the Impact of Dark Personalities on Counterproductive Work Behaviour

Abstract

dc:description.abstract

A rise in Counterproductive Work Behaviours (CWB) within organisations has prompted research into the underlying causes. This research explores the link between the "Dark Triad" personality traits (Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy) and CWB in UK call centres. Utilising Social Exchange Theory (SET), the research investigates how perceived organisational support and religiosity influence this link. Employing a positivist approach with a quantitative framework, data was gathered through surveys from 750 call centre agents. The analysis, using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM), revealed a significant association between Dark Triad traits and CWB. Interestingly, perceived organisational support weakens this link, suggesting a supportive work environment can mitigate the negative effects of these personality traits. Additionally, religiosity specifically moderates the influence of Machiavellianism and psychopathy on CWB. These findings offer valuable insights for call centre managers. Fostering a supportive work environment through improved well-being initiatives, communication channels, skill development opportunities, and employee recognition can strengthen perceived organisational support and potentially reduce CWB. This research’s novelty lies in applying SET to examine the Dark Triad's impact on CWB within UK call centres. It introduces religiosity as a mitigating factor for specific traits and identifies perceived organisational support as a mediator in the overall relationship.

Degree

thesis:*
Grantor dc:publisher.institution
University of Bradford

Author and committee

dc:creator, dc:contributor.*
Author dc:creator
  • Rizvi, Lubna
Advisors dc:contributor.advisor
  • Hussain, Zahid I.
  • Danquah, Joseph kwadwo

Subjects

dc:subject × 9

Rights

dc:rights
Statement dc:rights
  • <a rel="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/"><img alt="Creative Commons License" style="border-width:0" src="http://i.creativecommons.org/l/by-nc-nd/3.0/88x31.png" /></a><br />The University of Bradford theses are licenced under a <a rel="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/">Creative Commons Licence</a>.
Language dc:language.iso
en

Identifiers

dc:identifier.*
Repository record dc:identifier.uri
https://bradscholars.brad.ac.uk/handle/10454/20478
OAI identifier oai:identifier
oai:bradscholars.brad.ac.uk:10454/20478

Chain of custody

source
Harvested from
University of Bradford
Base URL
bradscholars.brad.ac.uk/oai/request
Last updated
2026-07-24
Source record
OAI-PMH GetRecord
citation

Rizvi, Lubna. Investigating the Impact of Dark Personalities on Counterproductive Work Behaviour. University of Bradford, https://bradscholars.brad.ac.uk/handle/10454/20478