Proposing a multidimensional Machiavellianism conceptualization

Machiavellianism (Christie & Geis, 1970) deals with (a) a cold and cynical world view with pragmatic and immoral beliefs, (b) a lack of emotionality, (c) strategic long-term planning in self-beneficial goal pursuit, and (d) various manipulative behaviors. Although Machiavellianism comprises several different aspects (Jones & Paulhus, 2009), thus far, there is uncertainty concerning the higher and lower order factors. Further, no scale accounts for all of these, measuring a fuzzy unidimensional construct. In this article a hierarchical and multidimensional structure of Machiavellianism is presented based on a thorough literature analysis. Merits of this and future lines of research are delineated.