Machiavellians' motives in organizational citizenship behavior

Jennifer A.H. Becker, H. Dan O'Hair

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

93 Scopus citations

Abstract

This study investigated the relationship between Machiavellianism, a predisposition toward manipulative behavior, and organizational citizenship behavior (OCB), defined by being helpful, cooperative, and conscientious. Given past findings that Machiavellians seek opportunities for impression management to obtain personal benefit, we hypothesized that the negative association between Machiavellianism and organizational citizenship behaviors toward the organization (OCBO) is stronger than the negative association between Machiavellianism and organizational citizenship behaviors toward individuals or groups (OCBI). Additionally, we hypothesized that Machiavellianism is associated with the OCB motive of impression management, but negatively associated with the OCB motives of organizational concern and prosocial values. Participants were 606 working adults (as well as their supervisors and co-workers) from various organizations in the U.S. South and West. Results generally confirmed the predicted relationships, which were consistent across supervisor and co-worker perceptions as well. Theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)246-267
Number of pages22
JournalJournal of Applied Communication Research
Volume35
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 2007

Keywords

  • Machiavellianism
  • OCB Motives
  • Organizational Citizenship Behavior

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Communication
  • Language and Linguistics

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