Are you familiar with Machiavellianism? It may sound complicated, but in reality, it’s quite simple to understand. In this article, we’ll take a close look at what Machiavellianism is, as well as its implications and applications in everyday life.
What is Machiavellianism?
Machiavellianism is a term that originated from the 16th-century diplomat and statesmen Niccolò Machiavelli. His works, particularly The Prince, have made him notorious for outlining cunning strategies to acquire or maintain political power. Machiavellianism is a type of manipulation that can be seen in an individual’s attitude and behavior, particularly in a workplace setting. It is characterized by the cunning and manipulative strategies that people employ to reach their objectives.
Those who display Machiavellian tendencies tend to prioritize their objectives over the needs and interests of those around them. They can be seen as overly calculating and pragmatic in their relationships with others, with a focus on gaining as much as they can from them. They often use tactics such as lying, manipulating, and deceiving to achieve their goals, and have no compunction about using other people’s secrets or vulnerabilities against them. They lack emotional sensitivity and empathy for those that they come into contact with, and even can come across as cruel and unsympathetic.
Machiavellianism is an interesting topic to explore, and one that can often open a debate about the limits of morality in power dynamics. It can definitely help you gain insight into power dynamics of interpersonal relationships and nations, but it has been more heavily linked to the business world because of its focus on amoral strategies for attaining success. Hopefully this article has helped shed some light on what it is and how it works.