Does the dark triad predict intention to commit corrupt acts? The mediating role of financial anxiety among Saudi students

ABSTRACT Objective Corruption is a threat to the economies and overall wellbeing of nations, organizations, and individuals, and it is important to understand corruption’s antecedents and pathways through which it operates. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the dark triad personality traits and corruption propensity, and to examine a mediation role of financial anxiety. Method A sample of 699 respondents (72.5% of females, mean age = 24.3, SD = 6.65) was involved in this study. Respondents completed a survey containing demographic questions, the Dark Triad Dirty Dozen scale, the Corruption Propensity Scale, and the Financial Anxiety Scale. Structural equation models were estimated to investigate the relationships among variables. Results The main findings indicated that only psychopathy was directly related to corruption propensity while narcissism and Machiavellianism were associated with corruption propensity only through financial anxiety. This indicates that financial anxiety fully mediated the relationship between narcissism and Machiavellianism, respectively, and corruption propensity, but did not mediate the relationship between psychopathy and corruption. Conclusion psychopathy appears to be an important predictor of corruption propensity. In addition, financial anxiety plays an important role as a trigger for corruption propensity in narcissists and Machiavellians. Therefore, it is crucial to take financial anxiety into account when designing policy against corruption. Key Points What is already known about this topic: Corruption deteriorates people’s well-being and nations’ wellbeing. Studies have shown that corruption results from dark personality traits. Research has also shown some paths through which this relationship operates, including anxiety. What this topic adds: (1) This study shows that financial anxiety facilitates Machiavellians and Narcissists to engage in corruption. (2) Psychopaths do not need to have financial anxiety to engage in corruption, they are already more prone to corruption. (3) Programs aimed to eradicate corruption should put emphasis on psychopathy and financial anxiety in people.