When Bad Habits Meet Fairness: What Banks Can Learn

In many workplaces, how people act can either help or hurt the team. One personality style that often causes trouble is called Machiavellianism – a tendency to manipulate and act selfishly. Researchers wanted to see how this trait affects bad work habits, especially in private banks in South India. The study focused on two ideas. First, it asked whether employees’ sense of fairness at work could explain why Machiavellian people act badly. Second, it looked at whether having more freedom in one’s job could lessen this link. To explore these questions, 435 bank staff answered a detailed questionnaire. The sample was chosen carefully so it reflected the main private banks in the region. Data were analyzed with a statistical tool called SmartPLS.Results showed that when workers feel the organization is unfair, those with Machiavellian traits are more likely to behave counterproductively – for example, skipping duties or undermining teammates. However, when employees have greater job autonomy, the connection between Machiavellianism and bad behavior weakens. In other words, giving people more control over their tasks can protect the team from negative actions. The takeaway for managers is clear: creating a fair environment and granting employees autonomy can reduce harmful behaviors. By combining these two strategies, banks can build a culture where destructive habits are rare and consistent performance thrives.