How subordinates’ machiavellianism and motives relate to satisfaction with superiors

This study explores the relationship between Machiavellianism and motives for communicating (pleasure, affection, inclusion, relaxation, control and escape) with satisfaction in the work place. Full-time employees (N=319) in a wide-variety of organizations reported their Machiavellianism and their interpersonal communication motives, as well as their satisfaction with their superiors. The study also seeks to answer the question if the motives mediate the influence of Machiavellianism on communication satisfaction with superiors. The results suggest that Machiavellianism shares a negative relationship with the affection motive, whereas escape, relaxation, and control motives share a positive relationship with Machiavellianism. Further analysis reveals that the affection motive mediates Machiavellianism in its relationship to satisfaction with superiors. The affection and pleasure motives share a direct relationship with satisfaction.