Abstract
Background The concepts of Dark Triad and Psychological Capital (PsyCap) have been extensively researched
separately, but until one recent study, their interrelation has not been investigated. Purpose of this study was to
uncover differences of the relationship of both concepts across work related industries.
Methods In total, 2,109 German employees across 11 industries completed a questionnaire on Dark Triad (narcissism,
psychopathy and Machiavellianism) and PsyCap. Multiple regression analyses were used to test the association of
both concepts across industries.
Results Values of narcissism, psychopathy and PsyCap generally differed between industries. No significant
differences were found for Machiavellianism. While narcissism relates positively to PsyCap in all industry sectors,
psychopathy only showed a negative relation to PsyCap in some sectors. For industries architecture, automotive and
consulting, psychopathy did not significantly predict PsyCap.
Conclusions We argue that different expectations of employees per industry make it easier or harder for different
personalities to assimilate (homogeneity hypothesis) to the work context (measured by PsyCap). Future studies
should investigate this further with other variables such as person-organization-fit. This study was, however, the first
to simultaneously investigate Dark Triad and PsyCap among employees and their respective industry. It extends
previous findings by revealing differences of both concepts across and within industry sectors. The study can help to
reconsider in which industries Dark Triad personality affects PsyCap as antecedent of workplace outcomes such as
work satisfaction or job performance