Innovation and the 'dark side' of personality: dysfunctional traits and their relationship to innovation potential

Lara D. Zibarras, R. Port, Steve A. Woods

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

This paper explores the relationship between self-reported innovative characteristics and dysfunctional personality traits. Participants (N = 207) from a range of occupations completed the Innovation Potential Indicator (IPI) and the Hogan Development Survey (HDS). Those who reported innovative characteristics also reported the following dysfunctional traits: Arrogant, Manipulative, Dramatic, Eccentric; and lower levels of Cautious, Perfectionist and Dependent. A representative approximation of the higher order factor “moving against people” (Hogan & Hogan, 1997) was positively associated with innovative characteristics. It is concluded that innovation potential may be viewed as a positive effect of some otherwise dysfunctional traits, most notably those encompassed under the second-order HDS factor ‘moving against people’.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)201-215
Number of pages15
JournalJournal of Creative Behaviour
Volume42
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Sept 2008

Keywords

  • personality
  • dysfunctional traits
  • innovation potential

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