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The Bright and Dark Side of Altruism: Demographic, Personality Traits, and Disorders Associated with Altruism

Author

Listed:
  • Adrian Furnham

    (University College London
    BI Norwegian Business School)

  • Luke Treglown

    (University College London)

  • Gillian Hyde

    (PCL Tunbridge-Wells)

  • Geoff Trickey

    (PCL Tunbridge-Wells)

Abstract

This study looked at personality trait and personality disorder correlates of self-rated altruism. In two studies over 4,000 adult British managers completed a battery of tests including a ‘bright side’ personality trait measure (HPI); a ‘dark side’/disorders measure (HDS), and a measure of their Motives and Values which included Altruism. The two studies showed similar results revealing that those who were low on Adjustment (Neuroticism) but high on Interpersonal Sensitivity (Agreeableness), Prudence (Conscientiousness) and Inquisitiveness (Openness) were more likely to value Altruism and be motivated to commit altruistic acts which concerns helping others and creating an environment that places emphasis on customer service. Those more interested in “Getting Along” with others were more Altruistic than those more interested in “Getting Ahead” of others. Implications for the selection and management of altruistic people in a business are considered. Limitations and future directions of this research are also noted.

Suggested Citation

  • Adrian Furnham & Luke Treglown & Gillian Hyde & Geoff Trickey, 2016. "The Bright and Dark Side of Altruism: Demographic, Personality Traits, and Disorders Associated with Altruism," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 134(3), pages 359-368, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:jbuset:v:134:y:2016:i:3:d:10.1007_s10551-014-2435-x
    DOI: 10.1007/s10551-014-2435-x
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Swope, Kurtis J. & Cadigan, John & Schmitt, Pamela M. & Shupp, Robert, 2008. "Personality preferences in laboratory economics experiments," Journal of Behavioral and Experimental Economics (formerly The Journal of Socio-Economics), Elsevier, vol. 37(3), pages 998-1009, June.
    2. David Boyd & Jay Halfond & Peder Johnson & Timm Kainen, 2013. "A Family Affair: A Case of Altruism or Aggrandizement?," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 113(1), pages 157-161, March.
    3. John Taylor & Adrian Furnham & Janet Breeze, 2014. "The Dark Side Traits," Palgrave Macmillan Books, in: Revealed, chapter 0, pages 117-139, Palgrave Macmillan.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    4. Chirag Dagar & Ashish Pandey & Ajinkya Navare, 2022. "How Yoga-Based Practices Build Altruistic Behavior? Examining the Role of Subjective Vitality, Self-transcendence, and Psychological Capital," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 175(1), pages 191-206, January.
    5. Capra, C. Mónica & Jiang, Bing & Su, Yuxin, 2021. "Altruistic self-concept mediates the effects of personality traits on volunteering: Evidence from an online experiment," Journal of Behavioral and Experimental Economics (formerly The Journal of Socio-Economics), Elsevier, vol. 92(C).
    6. Valdiney V. Gouveia & Isabel Cristina Vasconcelos de Oliveira & Alex Sandro de Moura Grangeiro & Renan Pereira Monteiro & Gabriel Lins de Holanda Coelho, 2021. "The Bright Side of the Human Personality: Evidence of a Measure of Prosocial Traits," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 22(3), pages 1459-1480, March.
    7. Stephanie B Linek & Benedikt Fecher & Sascha Friesike & Marcel Hebing, 2017. "Data sharing as social dilemma: Influence of the researcher’s personality," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 12(8), pages 1-24, August.
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    9. Anand, Amitabh & Vessal, Saeedeh Rezeaee & Rathi, Kishore & Ameen, Nisreen, 2021. "Show me your mobile and I will tell you who you are: Forecasting consumer compassion and altruism behaviour through smartphone type and usage," Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, Elsevier, vol. 63(C).

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