Why are grandiose narcissists more effective at organizational politics? Means, motive, and opportunity

• Published in: Personality and individual differences 2021-04, Vol.172, p.110557, Article 110557
• Main Authors: O'Reilly, Charles A., Pfeffer, Jeffrey
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Confidence; Entitlement; Grandiose narcissism; Leadership; Narcissism; Organizations; Personality; Politicians; Politics; Self interest
• ISSN: 0191-8869; 1873-3549
• DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2020.110557

Research over the past decade has shown that grandiose narcissists are often successful at attaining leadership positions in organizations. However, there is no evidence that narcissists lead higher performing firms, and while they see themselves as more competent leaders, there is no evidence for this, either. In fact, research shows that narcissistic leaders have numerous negative effects on the entities they lead. This raises a question: Why are narcissists so successful in attaining leadership positions? We suggest that the defining characteristics of grandiose narcissism (grandiosity, self-confidence, entitlement, and a willingness to exploit others for one's own self-interest) may make them more effective organizational politicians than those who are lower in narcissism. We report the results of three studies that show: (1) those higher in narcissism are more likely than those who are lower to see organizations in political terms (opportunity), (2) they are more willing to engage in organizational politics (motive), and (3) they are more skilled political actors (means). We discuss the implications of these results for organizational dynamics and career processes. •Grandiose narcissists often emerge as leaders in organizations.•But the evidence is that they are no more qualified than non-narcissists.•In 3 studies, we show that this may be because they are more effective political actors.•We discuss the potential negative implications for this for organizations.