# Dark Triad traits and workplace bullying: a systematic review and meta-analysis of personality, power, and psychosocial safety

## TL;DR

This study finds that personality traits like psychopathy, narcissism, and Machiavellianism are strongly linked to workplace bullying, suggesting the need for targeted prevention strategies.

## Contribution

The study provides the first meta-analysis linking Dark Triad traits to workplace bullying perpetration, identifying psychopathy as the strongest predictor.

## Key findings

- Psychopathy showed the strongest correlation with workplace bullying (r = 0.53).
- Narcissism and Machiavellianism also showed significant but weaker associations.
- Organizational factors like climate and justice perceptions moderate these relationships.

## Abstract

Workplace bullying is a widespread and serious public health concern, affecting a substantial proportion of workers globally. While its consequences for mental and physical health are well established, consistent personality-based predictors of perpetration remain unclear. The Dark Triad personality traits, including Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy, are conceptually linked to interpersonal aggression but prior evidence is fragmented.

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 guidelines (Open Science Framework, DOI: 10.17605/OSF.IO/FWQ73). PubMed, PsycINFO, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched to 2 September 2025. Eligible studies reported associations between Dark Triad traits and workplace bullying perpetration among working-age participants. Random-effects models using Fisher’s z-transformed correlations generated pooled effect sizes. Risk of bias was assessed using an adapted Joanna Briggs Institute checklist, and certainty of evidence graded with Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations.

Of 89 records screened, 16 met inclusion criteria, and nine contributed to meta-analysis. All traits were positively associated with bullying perpetration. Psychopathy showed the strongest pooled correlation (r = 0.53 [95% CI 0.28–0.71]), followed by narcissism (r = 0.40 [95% CI 0.26–0.52]) and Machiavellianism (r = 0.35 [95% CI 0.13–0.53]). Heterogeneity was substantial (I2 > 90%). Narrative synthesis indicated contextual moderators including organizational climate, justice perceptions, and identity threat—shaped trait expression.

Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy are robust predictors of workplace bullying perpetration, with psychopathy most strongly implicated. Preventive strategies should integrate personality-informed leadership development with organizational safeguards. Workplace bullying should be prioritized as an occupational hazard and public health issue.

https://osf.io/tvfkc/overview.