Handbook of Management Scales/Amorality

Amorality (alpha = 0.83) Description A new measure of Machiavellianism, the Machiavellian Personality Scale (MPS), was developed and validated over two studies. Machiavellianism is conceptualized as one's propensity to distrust others, engage in amoral manipulation, seek control over others, and seek status for oneself. Study 1 developed and tested the factor structure of the scale, whereas Study 2 provided evidence for the convergent, divergent, and criterion-related validity of the MPS. The results of these studies supported the a priori factor structure of the MPS and indicated that it is a valid predictor of such outcomes as job satisfaction, task performance, and counterproductive work behaviors. Definition Amoral manipulation is defined as a willingness to disregard standards of morality and see value in behaviors that benefit the self at the expense of others. Items I believe that lying is necessary to maintain a competitive advantage over others. The only good reason to talk to others is to get information that I can use to my benefit. I am willing to be unethical if I believe it will help me succeed. I am willing to sabotage the efforts of other people if they threaten my own goals. I would cheat if there was a low chance of getting caught. Source Dahling et al. (2009): The Development and Validation of a New Machiavellianism Scale. Journal of Management, Vol. 35, No. 2, pp. 219-257.