Analyzing the Relationship between Machiavellianism and Unethical Behaviors: Mediating Role of Abusive Supervisor

Background: The purpose of this study is examining the relationship between Machiavellianism and unethical behavior emphasizing the moderating role of abusive supervisor among employees of Aliabad Katoul Islamic Azad University. Method: The current research method is descriptive-correlation. Participants of this research project included 129 employees of Aliabad Katoul Islamic Azad University. The sample contained 97 employees utilizing random sampling. The instrument for data collection in this study is questionnaire. Cronbach's alpha has been more than 0/7. To analyze data, structural equating modeling method as well as PLS software has been used. Results: Results show that there is a positive relationship between all dimension of Machiavellianism and unethical behavior. Also abusive supervision moderates the relationship between all dimensions of Machiavellianism except desire to status with unethical behavior. Conclusion: Some special characteristics lead to unethical behaviors and one of these characteristics is Machiavellianism. In other hand, abusive supervision creates opportunities that Machiavellianism engages in unethical behaviors.