Nomological network of two-dimensional Machiavellianism

Machiavellianism captures one's cynical view of humanity and willingness to use immoral means to achieve one's goals. Although Machiavellianism consists of views and tactics dimensions, a unitary approach dominates our understanding of this construct. Therefore, we aimed to further substantiate its dimensionality and elucidate each dimension's unique characteristics. An international collaboration (k = 15, N = 17,004; 57.39% male; aged 11–85, M = 26.97) contributed datasets from Korea, Hungary, Canada, USA, and Australia. We tested a nomological network comprising associations of Machiavellianism's dimensions with demographic variables and four conceptual domains: development (trauma, family functioning, world-view), personality (Big Five, HEXACO, narcissism, psychopathy), emotionality (emotional intelligence, regulation), and behavior (self-report, game scenarios). Meta-analytic confirmatory factor analysis supported the two-dimensional structure. Men were higher on views and tactics than women, and age did not influence Machiavellianism overall. Mean Machiavellianism varied across national cultures differently for views and tactics. Both dimensions related to adverse developmental experiences and negatively to agreeableness and honesty-humility. The views dimension related to emotionality negatively, and higher distrust and delinquency, whereas the tactics dimension related to aspects of psychopathy, and lower conscientiousness and empathy. Overall, we provide essential theoretical advancements and the foundation for future research into Machiavellianism.