Narcissism at Work (eBook)

Marie-Line Germain is an award-winning Associate Professor of Human Resources and Leadership at Western Carolina University, USA.  Her research and publications focus on employee expertise, mental health in the workplace, and dysfunctional leadership behaviors. She is a Fulbright grant recipient and has extensive experience as a human resource consultant. 

Contents 6
About the Author 8
List of Figures 9
List of Tables 10
Chapter 1 Introduction 11
Abstract 11
References 16
Part I Research Background and Definitions 17
Chapter 2 Definition and Description (Traits and Skills) of Narcissistic Leaders 18
Abstract 18
Background on Personality Disorders 18
Definition of Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) 21
Healthy vs. Unhealthy Narcissism 23
Overt or Covert NPD 24
Gender and Race Breakdown 26
Personality Disorders in the Workplace 27
References 30
Chapter 3 Assessment of Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) 34
Abstract 34
Clinical Measures of Narcissistic Personality Disorder 34
NPD in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) 35
Narcissistic Personality Inventory (NPI-40 and NPI-16) 38
Bold Scale of the Hogan Development Survey (HDS-Bold) 39
The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) 40
Assessment Limitations 41
Legal Concerns 42
The Art of Faking Tests 44
References 45
Chapter 4 Narcissism in Leadership and Management: A Research Summary 49
Abstract 49
Leadership Emergence 51
First Impressions 51
Progressive Reveal of NPD’s Interpersonal Relationship Deficiencies 53
NPD’s Inflated Sense of Leadership Ability 54
Source of Leadership Report 54
Across Professions and Fields: The Media, Entertainment, Business, Sports, and Politics 55
Organizational Effects of Personality-disordered Employees 55
The Upsides 57
Charisma 57
Vision 58
Workaholics and High Achievers 60
The Downsides 60
Personal Flaws 61
Control and Power 61
Difficult to Get AlongInfliction of Pain on Subordinates 62
Pet Projects that are Costly to Organizations 63
Myopic Views and Behaviors 64
NPD Triangulation 65
Human and Financial Cost of NPD Leaders 66
Theoretical and Practical Implications 67
Theoretical Implications 67
Practical Implications 67
References 68
Part II Understanding NPD Corporate Leaders 77
Chapter 5 How NPD Leaders Perceive Themselves and Others 78
Abstract 78
How NPD Leaders Perceive Themselves 78
Childhood Patterns of a Narcissist 79
Defense Mechanisms and Abusive Techniques 81
Silent Treatment 82
Conflict Avoidance 82
Smudging the Truth 83
One Coping Mechanism: Work 83
Threats 83
The Martyr 84
Blaming Others for their Mistakes 84
Alliances and Smear Campaigns 85
The Narcissist Talks 87
How NPD Leaders Perceive Others 89
From Charm to Rage 90
References 91
Part III Practice: Practical Solutions for Those Who Work with NPD Corporate Leaders 92
Chapter 6 Considerations for HR, Consultants, and Organizational Psychologists 93
Abstract 93
Detecting abusive Signs in Leaders and Signs of Distress in Subordinates 94
Everyday 94
At Work 94
Strategies to Cope with Narcissistic Corporate Leader Behaviors 97
Tools for People 97
Ignoring 98
Confronting 98
Befriending the NPD leader 100
Contacting Management andor the Human Resources Department 102
Transferring to Another Department or Resigning 103
Impact of PTSD 107
Tools for Organizations 109
Recruitment of NPD Corporate Leaders and Corrective Action 112
Healthcare Coverage, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and Legal Considerations 113
Workplace Bullying and Harassment 115
When Harassing Conduct Violates the Law 117
What Should an Employee Do if He Witnesses or Is Subjected to Harassment? 118
What Should HR Do When a Complaint Is Filed? 118
The Narcissistic Plaintiffs: Human Resources Professionals… Beware! 119
References 120
Part IV Case Studies and Proposed Solutions 124
Chapter 7 Case Studies and Practical Advice 125
Abstract 125
Case studies and suggested approaches for professional relationships 125
Dolores Jackson, Vice-President of Communications 126
Personal Background 126
Professional Life 126
Notable Quotes 132
Donald Trump, Businessman 132
Personal Background 132
Professional Life 133
Notable Quotes 135
Sarah Palin, Governor 136
Personal Background 136
Professional Life 137
Notable Quotes 139
Steve Jobs, CEO 139
Personal Background 139
Professional Life 139
Notable Quotes 140
William Strickland, Professor of History 141
Personal Background 141
Professional Life 142
Notable Quotes 144
Overview of the cases 144
Early developmental experiences of idealization, independence, high expectations, and powerlessness 145
Grandiosity 145
Empathy 146
Winner Vs. Loser Dynamic or Friend Vs. Enemy 147
Suggested approaches for professional relationships 148
References 153
Chapter 8 Book Summary and Directions for Future Research 155
Abstract 155
Extreme Narcissists in the Workplace: Impact on People and Businesses 156
Teamwork 157
Signs of NPD 158
Setting Boundaries 160
Impact on Co-workers of NPDs 161
Self-preservation Tactics Include 161
Social Impact 162
Treatment for Narcissistic Personality Disorder 164
Psychotherapy 164
Directions for Future Research 165
Suggested Readings and Audio-Visual Resources 167
Faust: The First Part of the Tragedy (1808) 167
Synopsis 167
Big Eyes (2014) 167
Synopsis 167
Catch Me if You Can (2002) 168
Synopsis 168
Citizen Kane (1941) 168
Synopsis 168
Gaslight (1944) 168
Synopsis 168
Gone Girl (2014) 168
Synopsis 168
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002) 169
Synopsis 169
House of Cards (US Television Series)(2013) 169
Synopsis 169
Jobs (2013) 169
Synopsis 169
Shame (2011) 170
Synopsis 170
The Devil Wears Prada (2006) 170
Synopsis 170
Wall Street (1987) 170
Synopsis 170
Working Girl (1998) 170
Synopsis 170
References 171
Appendix 173
Bullying and Harassment in the Workplace: Developments in Theory, Research, and Practice (2011) 173
Preventing Workplace Bullying: An Evidence-Based Guide for Managers and Employees (2011) 174
Workplace Bullying: Symptoms and Solutions (2012) 174
The Violence-Prone Workplace: A New Approach to Dealing with Hostile, Threatening, and Uncivil Behavior (2001) 175
Mobbing: Emotional Abuse in the American Workplace (1999) 175
Mobbing: Causes, Consequences, and Solutions (2012) 176
Overcoming Mobbing: A Recovery Guide for Workplace Aggression and Bullying (2014) 176
The Bully at Work: What You Can Do to Stop the Hurt and Reclaim Your Dignity on the Job (2009) 176
The Bully-Free Workplace: Stop Jerks, Weasels, and Snakes From Killing Your Organization (2011) 177
Workplace Bullying: What We Know, Who is to Blame, and What Can We Do? (2001) 177
Snakes in Suits: When Psychopaths Go to Work (2007) 178
The No Asshole Rule: Building a Civilized Workplace and Surviving One That Isn’t (2007) 178
Index 179