The dark side of entrepreneurship: how personality traits shape destructive entrepreneurial intent and behavior

Zahra Sadeghi, Amir Emami and Armin Khaleghi Forghani

Journal of Enterprising Communities: People and Places in the Global Economy, 2026, vol. 20, issue 5, 1325-1355

Abstract: PurposeThis study aims to examine the impact of the Dark Tetrad (narcissism, Machiavellianism, psychopathy and sadism) on destructive entrepreneurial intent (DEI) and destructive entrepreneurial behavior (DEB) among Iranian entrepreneurs, with a focus on their implications for community-driven ventures in developing contexts.Design/methodology/approachA structured questionnaire was administered to 333 Iranian entrepreneurs. The hypothesized relationships were tested using structural equation modeling.FindingsThe study reveals that DEI significantly predicts DEB, supporting Ajzen’s theory of planned behavior. Machiavellianism and narcissism directly influence DEB, while Machiavellianism and sadism significantly affect DEI. DEI partially mediates Machiavellianism’s impact on DEB and fully mediates sadism’s influence. Narcissism and psychopathy show no significant effects on DEI, highlighting the nuanced role of dark traits in destructive entrepreneurship.Practical implicationsManagers should screen for Machiavellianism, target narcissistic impulsivity, preempt sadism by identifying harmful intents early and cultivate accountability and transparency. Policymakers in contexts with institutional weaknesses should monitor exploitative practices, incentivize ethical entrepreneurship and penalize destructive actions. Public awareness campaigns can reduce tolerance for harmful intents. Collaboration between government and industry is critical to addressing systemic vulnerabilities.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the discourse on sustainable entrepreneurship by uncovering how dark personality traits can undermine community objectives. It emphasizes the mediating role of DEI and calls for ethical interventions to redirect individuals with dark traits toward positive, community-focused behaviors. By addressing these darker aspects, the research aims to promote sustainable entrepreneurial practices and mitigate adverse societal impacts in challenging environments.

Keywords: Community entrepreneurship; Dark personality traits; Destructive entrepreneurial intent; Destructive entrepreneurial behavior; Ethics (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eme:jecpps:jec-11-2024-0222

DOI: 10.1108/JEC-11-2024-0222

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