Machiavellianism in health care explored: differences in aspiring managers and patient care professionals.

Complex economic factors require health care professionals to possess multiple skills. Although controversial, some characteristics associated with Machiavellianism may be needed for the maintenance of organizational solvency. A study was conducted to determine the differences between aspiring health care managers and patient care professionals regarding Machiavellian tendencies. The results of the study indicate a significant mix of Machiavellian traits exists within both groups and that these need to be both cultivated and controlled. Efforts should be made to increase some Machiavellian tendencies such as risk taking and creativity while extinguishing counterproductive traits that lead to unethical decision making.