Moderators and mediators in the relationship between Dark Triad traits and organizational outcomes: a systematic literature review

This systematic literature review examines how Dark Triad traits – Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy – translate into workplace behaviors through individual and contextual mechanisms. Drawing on Trait Activation Theory (TAT), the review synthesizes empirical evidence on moderators and mediators influencing the relationship between these traits and organizational outcomes. Following PRISMA guidelines, searches of Scopus and Web of Science identified nine peer-reviewed empirical studies that met inclusion criteria. A hybrid thematic analysis revealed three main themes: organizational and individual moderators shaping the expression of Dark Triad traits, mediating mechanisms linking traits to behavioral outcomes, and resulting organizational consequences. Contextual cues such as performance climate, abusive supervision, and competitive or deceptive environments were found to amplify maladaptive behaviors, whereas mastery climates, rule enforcement, and psychological safety mitigated their effects. Mediators including self-serving behavior, felt responsibility for constructive change, and person-environment misfit explained how dark traits can lead to either destructive or, under certain conditions, adaptive outcomes. While the activation of these traits frequently resulted in exploitative leadership, counterproductive work behavior, and emotional exhaustion, narcissism was sometimes associated with proactive, change-oriented behaviors in uncertain contexts. Overall, the findings highlight the contingent and context-dependent nature of dark personality expression at work, extending TAT by demonstrating how situational cues influence both the intensity and direction of behavioral outcomes. These results underscore the importance of ethical, psychologically safe organizational climates for mitigating dysfunctional leadership and provide directions for future research on the activation of dark traits in professional settings.