Asymmetric responses to multidimensional performance evaluation systems: The role of non-pathological narcissism

We experimentally investigate how narcissism affects individuals' responses to multidimensional performance evaluation systems (PES). Because these systems are characterized by cognitive conflict, which inhibits perfor-mance, prior research has explored how exogenous control systems, such as the provision of feedback, can enhance task performance. Our experimental evidence shows that narcissism moderates the performance im-plications of conflict and of the tone with which feedback is provided under multidimensional PES. In Experi-ment 1, we find that task performance among participants with a low (high) level of narcissism is (not) significantly worse under PES associated with higher conflict. In Experiment 2, we find that, while task per-formance of all participants is better (worse) when feedback is provided with encouraging (discouraging) tone, the effects are stronger among participants with a high level of narcissism. Collectively, our findings suggest that under multidimensional PES, task performance among narcissists is less susceptible to conflict consistent with their analytic cognitive-perceptual style and abnormal need for self-enhancement, and more susceptible to feedback tone, consistent with their grandiose self-image. Hence, we inform both research and practice on the effectiveness of multidimensional PES by examining the role of personality.