A toxic mix: Explicit and implicit narcissism and counterproductive work behavior

Abstract

A large body of research has documented a positive link between narcissism and counterproductive work behavior (CWB). However, previous studies focused exclusively on explicit (self-reported) narcissism, thereby neglecting the role of implicit (indirectly measured) narcissism. Using a sample of 504 employees, the present investigation aimed for an integrative perspective. Applying a job-related narcissism questionnaire along with an implicit association measure of narcissism, for the first time, we address the question whether and to what extent explicit and implicit narcissism jointly influence CWB. Specifically, we show that the most toxic combination of narcissism (i.e., high explicit and high implicit narcissism) predicts the highest CWB levels. Explicit narcissism was positively related to CWB, and this relationship was stronger among individuals who were also high (vs. low) on implicit narcissism. Results suggest that implicit narcissism is an important, albeit hitherto neglected, determinant of CWB. The present work provides novel and valuable evidence on the role of implicit personality, which is crucial for understanding deviant behavior in the workplace.