The Nature of Machiavellian and Dysfunctional Behavior

Oct 13, 2025 by talynt.org 24 views

The Influence of the Nature of Machiavellian and Moral Development on Dysfunctional Behavior: Studies on State Higher Education Accounting Students in Medan

Introduction

The world of accounting is not just about numbers and financial transactions, but also about ethics and morality. As professionals in the field, accountants are expected to uphold high standards of integrity and responsibility. However, the reality is that many accounting students and professionals engage in dysfunctional behavior, such as cheating, plagiarism, and unethical decision-making. This study aims to examine the influence of the nature of Machiavellian and moral development on dysfunctional behavior, with a focus on S1 accounting students in state universities in Medan.

The Nature of Machiavellian and Dysfunctional Behavior

The concept of Machiavellianism refers to a personality trait characterized by manipulative and ambitious tendencies. Individuals with a high level of Machiavellianism tend to prioritize their own interests over others, and are willing to use any means necessary to achieve their goals. This can lead to dysfunctional behavior, such as exploiting others, lying, and cheating. In the context of accounting, a high level of Machiavellianism can lead to unethical decision-making, such as cooking the books or engaging in insider trading.

Moral Development and Dysfunctional Behavior

Moral development refers to the process of learning to distinguish between right and wrong, and understanding the consequences of one's actions towards others. Individuals with high moral development tend to prioritize the well-being of others, and are more likely to engage in prosocial behavior, such as volunteering and donating to charity. In the context of accounting, high moral development can lead to a stronger sense of ethics and responsibility, and a greater willingness to report unethical behavior.

The Relationship Between Machiavellianism and Moral Development

This study found that both Machiavellianism and moral development have a significant effect on dysfunctional behavior. The results of the multiple linear regression analysis showed that each increase in one unit in Machiavellianism (X1) will increase the tendency of dysfunctional behavior (Y) by 0.433, while an increase in one unit in moral development (X2) will reduce the tendency of dysfunctional behavior by 0.316. This suggests that there is a strong relationship between Machiavellianism and moral development, and that these two factors are interrelated and contribute to influencing student behavior.

Implications for Educational Institutions

The findings of this study have important implications for educational institutions. By understanding the relationship between Machiavellianism and moral development, institutions can design character development programs that can help students reduce dysfunctional behavior. This can include teaching ethics and morality in accounting classes, and providing opportunities for students to engage in prosocial behavior, such as volunteering and community service.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study provides an important insight into the relationship between the nature of Machiavellian and moral development in the context of student behavior. By understanding these factors, educational institutions can be more effective in designing character development programs that can help students reduce dysfunctional behavior. Increasing awareness of the importance of morals and ethics in the world of accounting is also very crucial to shape professionals who are not only competent, but also responsible.

Recommendations for Future Research

This study has several limitations, including the use of a small sample size and the reliance on self-reported data. Future research should aim to replicate these findings using a larger and more diverse sample, and using more objective measures of dysfunctional behavior. Additionally, future research should explore the relationship between Machiavellianism and moral development in other contexts, such as business and politics.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations, including the use of a small sample size and the reliance on self-reported data. The sample size of 148 respondents is relatively small, and may not be representative of the larger population of accounting students. Additionally, the use of self-reported data may be subject to biases and errors, and may not accurately reflect the true nature of Machiavellianism and moral development.

Future Directions for Research

Future research should aim to replicate these findings using a larger and more diverse sample, and using more objective measures of dysfunctional behavior. Additionally, future research should explore the relationship between Machiavellianism and moral development in other contexts, such as business and politics. This can help to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the factors that contribute to dysfunctional behavior, and can inform the development of more effective character development programs.

References

Bandura, A. (1977). Social Learning Theory. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall.
Kohlberg, L. (1969). Stage and Sequence: The Cognitive-Developmental Approach to Socialization. In D. A. Goslin (Ed.), Handbook of Socialization Theory and Research (pp. 347-480). Chicago: Rand McNally.
Machiavelli, N. (1513). The Prince. Translated by W. K. Marriott. New York: Dover Publications.

Appendix

The appendix includes the questionnaire used in this study, as well as the results of the multiple linear regression analysis.
Frequently Asked Questions: The Influence of Machiavellianism and Moral Development on Dysfunctional Behavior

Q: What is Machiavellianism, and how does it relate to dysfunctional behavior?

A: Machiavellianism is a personality trait characterized by manipulative and ambitious tendencies. Individuals with a high level of Machiavellianism tend to prioritize their own interests over others, and are willing to use any means necessary to achieve their goals. This can lead to dysfunctional behavior, such as exploiting others, lying, and cheating.

Q: What is moral development, and how does it relate to dysfunctional behavior?

A: Moral development refers to the process of learning to distinguish between right and wrong, and understanding the consequences of one's actions towards others. Individuals with high moral development tend to prioritize the well-being of others, and are more likely to engage in prosocial behavior, such as volunteering and donating to charity.

Q: What is the relationship between Machiavellianism and moral development?

A: This study found that both Machiavellianism and moral development have a significant effect on dysfunctional behavior. The results of the multiple linear regression analysis showed that each increase in one unit in Machiavellianism (X1) will increase the tendency of dysfunctional behavior (Y) by 0.433, while an increase in one unit in moral development (X2) will reduce the tendency of dysfunctional behavior by 0.316.

Q: What are the implications of this study for educational institutions?

A: The findings of this study have important implications for educational institutions. By understanding the relationship between Machiavellianism and moral development, institutions can design character development programs that can help students reduce dysfunctional behavior. This can include teaching ethics and morality in accounting classes, and providing opportunities for students to engage in prosocial behavior, such as volunteering and community service.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: This study has several limitations, including the use of a small sample size and the reliance on self-reported data. The sample size of 148 respondents is relatively small, and may not be representative of the larger population of accounting students. Additionally, the use of self-reported data may be subject to biases and errors, and may not accurately reflect the true nature of Machiavellianism and moral development.

Q: What are the future directions for research?

A: Future research should aim to replicate these findings using a larger and more diverse sample, and using more objective measures of dysfunctional behavior. Additionally, future research should explore the relationship between Machiavellianism and moral development in other contexts, such as business and politics.

Q: What are the practical implications of this study for accounting professionals?

A: The findings of this study have important implications for accounting professionals. By understanding the relationship between Machiavellianism and moral development, professionals can be more aware of the potential for dysfunctional behavior in themselves and others. This can help to prevent unethical behavior, and promote a culture of integrity and responsibility in the accounting profession.

Q: What are the implications of this study for policymakers?

A: The findings of this study have important implications for policymakers. By understanding the relationship between Machiavellianism and moral development, policymakers can design policies that promote character development and reduce dysfunctional behavior. This can include providing funding for character development programs, and implementing policies that promote ethics and morality in the accounting profession.

Q: What are the implications of this study for the broader society?

A: The findings of this study have important implications for the broader society. By understanding the relationship between Machiavellianism and moral development, individuals can be more aware of the potential for dysfunctional behavior in themselves and others. This can help to promote a culture of integrity and responsibility, and reduce the incidence of unethical behavior in all areas of life.