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Manipulating the odds: The effects of Machiavellianism and construal level on cheating behavior

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  • Mariela E Jaffé
  • Rainer Greifeneder
  • Marc-André Reinhard

Abstract

Values, beliefs, and traits differ across individuals, and these concepts might impact whether individuals choose to engage in (dis)honest behavior. This project focuses on interindividual differences in Machiavellianism, which is defined as a tendency toward cynicism and manipulativeness, and the belief that the ends justify the means. We hypothesized that trait Machiavellianism would predict dishonest behavior. Furthermore, we speculated that some situations are more conducive than others for Machiavellianism to translate into behavior. In particular, Construal Level Theory holds that individuals construe social situations on a concrete level, or an abstract level, and that an abstract construal level triggers values and value-related traits to be more influential on behavior. Against this background, we hypothesized that differences in Machiavellianism produce differences in dishonest monetary behavior when situations are construed abstractly. Four studies tested these considerations by asking participants to toss a coin and self-report the toss’ outcome. Inconsistent with our theorizing, we did not find that higher Machiavellianism is consistently associated with a higher self-reported probability of receiving an individual bonus. We also did not find consistent support that higher Machiavellianism is associated with cheating under abstract compared to concrete construal.

Suggested Citation

  • Mariela E Jaffé & Rainer Greifeneder & Marc-André Reinhard, 2019. "Manipulating the odds: The effects of Machiavellianism and construal level on cheating behavior," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 14(11), pages 1-22, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0224526
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0224526
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    7. Christopher M. Castille & John E. Buckner & Christian N. Thoroughgood, 2018. "Prosocial Citizens Without a Moral Compass? Examining the Relationship Between Machiavellianism and Unethical Pro-Organizational Behavior," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 149(4), pages 919-930, June.
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    Cited by:

    1. Wang, Wenhua & Chen, Peikun & Li, Jianbiao & Niu, Xiaofei, 2024. "Institutional quarantine and dishonest behavior," Journal of Economic Psychology, Elsevier, vol. 104(C).

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