Discussion Board #1: Narcissism

Discussion Board #1: Narcissism
In many aspects of our lives we feel the need to be appreciated for the things that we do (Fisher 2012). Some of us desire this feeling so much that we become consumed by it. Greek mythology tells us of a story regarding Narcissus, who was so vain that it caused him to fall in love with his self or his image. From this story we derive the personality characteristic known as narcissism. According to Robins & Judge (2009, p.112) “narcissism describes a person who has a grandiose sense of self-importance, requires excessive admiration, has a sense of entitlement, and is arrogant.” This personality attribute may have impacts on an individual’s life in many different ways, but when it comes to the workplace there are certain negatively defined impressions. It is not abnormal for an individual to desire for their efforts to accomplish something and if not we may even feel that we have failed (Fisher 2012). “Narcissists overestimate their own accomplishments and seem pretentious; although self-enhancement bias is common, narcissism is characterized by extreme levels of this bias” (Byrne & O’Brien 2014, p.244). These behaviors, especially when found in a leader, can prove to be most damaging to their underlings or even their peers. There is the tendency for narcissists to be exploitive, selfish and even feel as though the existence of others is merely for their benefit (Robins & Judge 2009, p.112). As expected, narcissists think that they are better leaders in comparison with their colleagues, but a study ascertained that they were rated as worse leaders by their superiors (Robins & Judge 2009, p.112).
Attitudes and Job Satisfaction
“A sense of entitlement is common among narcissists who regularly exploit others and are unwilling to return favors” (Byrne & O’Brien 2014, p.244). When it comes to being a leader, or anyone for that matter, this unwillingness to return favors or provide accolades could be a contributing factor which negatively effects the behavioral component of employee’s attitudes. According to Robins & Judge (2009, p.75) “the behavioral component of an attitude refers to an intention to behave in a certain way towards someone or something.” This concept of behavioral component can be intertwined with a person’s feelings in regard to job satisfaction or how a person may feel about their job. Some individuals can self-motivate without any accolades or acknowledgements from their leader, however others may thrive from psychological empowerment to define the meaningfulness of their job. Accolades could simply be provided through inclusion as a leader makes his employees feel as though their work is valuable for success (Robins & Judge 2009, p.79).
Biblical Perspective
In the Bible Paul addresses the narcissist characteristics as he talks about leaders within the church to Timothy when he says “But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people” (2 Timothy 3:1-7 New International Version). Just as we should refrain from associating with such induvial who take on these narcissistic characteristics, we must ensure that we do not take on the attributes either. Proverbs 18:22 teaches us that destruction is preceded by a haughty heart and 1 Peter 5:5-6 explains that God’s grace follows humility as does his exaltation. It is my belief that God blesses us according to our humility, even when it comes to our success with business, whether it be as a leader or as an employee.

References
Byrne, J. S., & O'Brien, E. J. (2014). Interpersonal Views of Narcissism and Authentic High Self-Esteem: It Is Not All About You. Psychological Reports, 115(1), 243-260. doi:10.2466/21.09.PR0.115c15z9
Fisher, K. (2012). Lesson 1: A Worldview Perspective on Organizational Behavior [Audio Lecture]. Retrieved from Liberty University Organizational Behavior Blackboard: http://learn.liberty.edu
Robbins, S. P., & Judge, T. A. (2009). Organizational behavior. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.