Certain terms in job listings attract narcissists who are likely to be ‘unethical’ or even ‘fraudulent’ employees, says a new study.
According to the study, frequently-used terms such as ‘ambitious’, ‘thinks outside the box’ and ‘communicates persuasively’ are more likely to attract narcissists.
Researchers found that these terms appealed to ‘rule-bender’ applicants who were more likely to engage in unethical behaviour once employed.
Published in Management Science, the study first tested participants for their level of narcissism. Researchers then analysed whether they were more attracted to postings which featured ‘rule-bender’ language. This process was followed initially for college graduates and then for experienced accounting managers.
Other ‘rule-bender’ descriptors included:
- Self-reliant
- Results-oriented
- Establishes and strives for goals
- Develops creative and innovative solutions to problems
- Flexible and strategic mindset.
The study also identified terms which were associated with ‘rule-followers’. These were:
- Grounded and collaborative
- Thinks methodically
- Process-oriented, establishes and strengthens procedures
- Relies on time-tested solutions to problems
- Concrete and practical mindset
- Communicates in a straightforward and accurate manner.
‘Too seductive for narcissists to ignore’
Nick Seybert, co-author of the study, said: ‘Even before a single job seeker has clicked “apply”, language contained in a job posting may be too seductive for narcissists to ignore, increasing the chances of attracting unethical applicants to the position.’
Narcissists were found to have ‘the most immediate negative impact’ in accounting positions. However, the study also suggests that these terms are used ‘intentionally’ in ‘companies that would benefit from manipulating their earnings’.
Professor Seybert added: ‘Professional recruiters are more likely to include rule-bender language in job postings for more innovative and higher-growth companies.’
He concluded that both intentional and unintentional uses of ‘rule-bender’ descriptors mean that ‘the applicant pool will have a much larger percentage of narcissists’.
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