Research studies in workplace settings, (such as (Chatterjee et al, 2007) and (Judge et
al, 2006) )have long indicated (indicate ) that narcissistic behavior is counterproductive to
progress in the work environment. However, there is limited research on the exact role played
by specific narcissistic dimensions or the driving force behind them. In this article, the
authors set out to(Brunell et al’s article, “Narcissism and academic dishonesty: the
exhibitionism dimension and the lack of guilt”) investigates the relationship between
narcissism and academic dishonesty. The researchers approached their study by first going to
great lengths to explain the meaning of the term narcissism. In their definition, they
acknowledged that in the past, narcissism had been explained as being both a clinical
condition and a typical personality trait. The researchers referenced the DSM-IV-TR, which
described narcissism as a personality disorder in which individuals exaggerate their talents to
justify holding themselves in a higher regard than others (Brunel, Staats, Barden, & Hupp,
2011). This description extends to describing narcissists as arrogant individuals who lack
empathy and are inherently exploitative. On the other hand, (the article expresses that)
narcissism as a normal trait can be viewed as just another personality type that describes
people who have inflated positive personal reviews of themselves with little enthusiasm for
interpersonal relationships. Regardless of the definition, the authors noted that it is a common
trait that narcissistic people often go to great lengths to advance themselves ahead of the
competition at all costs.
As excellence in academics can be one of the most important determinants of power
and status within the context of university life, (in university life), the researchers were
interested to find out if there was a link between narcissism and academic dishonesty. The
premise for this research stems from observations that narcissists have a tendency of breaking
ethical rules in their attempts to achieve their self-centered goals (of academic excellence,
and the benefits attached forthwith). The researchers reported that there is a general belief
