The article “How the Dark Triad Affects Counterproductive Work Behaviour (CWB) and Organizational Citizenship Behaviour (CWB) and Organizational Citizenship Behaviour (OCB) in Israeli Arab Healthcare Organizations” written by Aaron Cohen and Geries Abdo delves into the intriguing relationship between the dark triad personality traits—secondary psychopathy, narcissism, and Machiavellianism—and their impact on organizational citizenship behaviour (OCB) and counterproductive work behaviour (CWB) among Israeli Arab nurses. This study, leveraging both nurse-reported and supervisor-reported data, sheds light on how these traits influence workplace dynamics, offering valuable insights for healthcare management and organizational policies.

Secondary Psychopathy: A Key Determinant
The findings reveal that secondary psychopathy significantly influences both CWB and OCB. Nurses with higher levels of secondary psychopathy are more likely to engage in counterproductive behaviours and less likely to exhibit organizational citizenship behaviours. This aligns with previous research by Bucknall et al. (2015), suggesting a universal pattern that warrants further exploration across diverse settings.

Narcissism: A Complex Influence
Narcissism presents a complex picture. It positively correlates with nurse-reported OCB, indicating that narcissistic nurses may engage in positive behaviours to enhance their image. However, it negatively associates with supervisor-reported OCB, highlighting the self-serving nature of narcissistic behaviours. Additionally, narcissism shows a negative relationship with nurse-reported CWB, reflecting an awareness of social norms and potential repercussions in a collectivist culture.

Machiavellianism: The Weakest Link
Machiavellianism exhibits the weakest association with behavioural outcomes. This aligns with findings from Rehman and Shahnawaz (2018), who observed similar patterns among managers in India. Individuals high in Machiavellianism may engage in impression management and unethical behaviours strategically, aiming for long-term gains within the organization.

Practical Implications for Healthcare Organizations
Healthcare organizations should prioritize identifying disruptive personalities during hiring, particularly focusing on secondary psychopathy. Implementing incentives and disincentives to promote ethical behaviour, establishing secure reporting mechanisms for CWB, and limiting supervisors’ discretionary power are crucial steps to mitigate risks associated with dark triad traits. By fostering a culture of restorative justice and ethics, organizations can enhance employee well-being, job performance, and overall productivity.

A Call for Further Research
This study opens new avenues for understanding the dark triad’s impact on workplace behaviour, emphasizing the need for further research across different cultural and occupational contexts. By addressing these traits proactively, organizations can cultivate a more positive and productive work environment, benefiting both employees and the broader community. For a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between dark triad personality traits and workplace behaviours in healthcare settings, read the full article.