Nomological network of two-dimensional Machiavellianism

Summary

This large international study mapped the nomological network of Machiavellianism when treated as two dimensions, cynical views and manipulative tactics. The authors pooled fifteen datasets comprising more than 17,000 participants across Korea, Hungary, Canada, the United States, and Australia. They examined how the views and tactics dimensions related to demographic variables and to four conceptual domains: developmental history (such as trauma and family functioning), personality (Big Five, HEXACO, narcissism, and psychopathy), emotionality (emotional intelligence and regulation), and behaviour (self-report and game-based measures). The two dimensions showed distinct patterns of association, reinforcing that they capture different aspects of the construct. The findings provide broad, cross-cultural validity evidence for separating Machiavellian views from tactics.