Who is likely to be ostracized? The easy target is the Dark Triad

Abstract

Drawing on the target-behavior mechanism and victim precipitation theory, we investigated the effect of the Dark Triad traits (i.e., Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy) on exposure to workplace ostracism. Through experimental and field studies, we found that individuals with high levels of Dark Triad traits were at high risk of being ostracized. Self-serving cognitions mediated the relationship between the Dark Triad traits and exposure to workplace ostracism, and collectivism orientation alleviated the relationship between self-serving cognitions and exposure to workplace ostracism. Our findings extend research on the impact of personality dispositions on workplace ostracism, providing implications for theory and practice.