The dark silence: Dark triad personality traits as predictors of quiet quitting intention

Prior studies have found associations between dark triad personality traits and counterproductive work behaviours. However, the link between the dark triad traits and quiet quitting has not been investigated in the literature. Moreover, little is known about the psychological mechanism underlying this relationship. This study sought to investigate the link between dark triad personality traits and quiet quitting intention of senior-level managers. Additionally, the role of psychological entitlement and moral disengagement was evaluated in this relationship. A cross-sectional survey-based design was adopted to collect data from 402 respondents. The data was analysed using PLS-SEM technique on SmartPLS 4 software. The findings revealed that individuals exhibiting narcissism and psychopathy are positively associated with both psychological entitlement and moral disengagement, which subsequently, are linked to a higher tendency to develop quiet quitting intention. However, no significant relationship between Machiavellianism and psychological entitlement, moral disengagement or quiet quitting intention was found. The study outlines several theoretical and practical implications to address the growing challenges of quiet quitting.