Machiavellianism, Bullying, and Manipulation Fears in the AI Work Environment
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33423/m996x860Keywords:
leadership, accountability, ethics, Machiavelli, Machiavellianism, values, moralsAbstract
This study examines Machiavellian strategies through the framework of the four “Bs”—bullying, beguiling, backstabbing, and bargaining—and explores their relevance in AI-enabled twenty-first-century organizations. Drawing on Machiavelli’s tradition of political realism, the paper argues that these behaviors often emerge as pragmatic responses to competitive environments where power, influence, and resource control shape organizational outcomes. Rather than viewing such tactics solely as unethical, the study situates them within the enduring tension between moral ideals and practical necessity. It further examines how AI technologies may amplify or reshape these strategies, creating new ethical challenges related to leadership, decision-making, workplace conflict, and inequity. By connecting classical political theory with contemporary organizational practice, the paper highlights the continued relevance of Machiavellian thought while emphasizing the need for ethical safeguards. The study closes with a practical mitigation model that promotes transparency, accountability, and ethical decision-making to reduce bullying, beguiling, and backstabbing while fostering constructive bargaining, thereby supporting healthier and more sustainable workplaces.
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