The Dark Triad of Personality at Work (TOP)

Purpose: Asses the dark triad of work behaviours
Time: 15 – 20 minutes
Format: Online

In a complex workplace, assessing the dark triad of personality (narcissism, Machiavellianism and subclinical psychopathy) is increasingly critical.

From a practitioner perspective, it is vital to be able to pinpoint not only an employee's 'bright side' but also the potential derailers that can impact performance and lead to serious financial and personal implications for employees and the organisation. Rather than assessing these derailers over a wide range, the Dark Triad of Personality at Work (TOP) focuses in on the three that make the biggest difference to individual performance and organisational impact.

The TOP offers insights that can be useful in any selection process, and often as part of development, particularly in leadership positions.

It is important to acknowledge that TOP does not measure the whole of the dark triad traits, but only the parts that are relevant to work. This makes the TOP usable and relevant to use in organisations, and in particular in the selection process.

Because the TOP measures only the work-related aspects of the original dark triad, it is appropriate to refer to them as the following:

Self-centred work approach

• Claim to leadership
• Belief in persuasive power
• Need for authority
• Appetite for risk
• Sense of superiority

Enforcement-focused work attitude

• Unsentimentality
• Assertiveness
• Scepticism

Uncommitted-impulsive style

• Flexibility
• Impulsivity
• Extenuation

It is always recommend using the TOP as part of an overall selection process and not in isolation.

Online Testing

The HTS 5 online platform makes it possible to set up testing, manage multiple test takers, download results and offer remote testing easily.

TOP Sample Technical Report
HTS 5 User Guide & FAQs
HTS 5 Tutorial Videos