The Humans of the Triple I Lab series shines the spotlight on graduate and undergraduate students conducting research in the Triple I Lab. Meet Manal, a PhD student in Organizational Behaviour in Human Resources, who is passionate about uncovering patterns in human behaviour as it pertains to personality. Manal’s work in the Triple I Lab aims to challenge dark personality stereotypes and destabilize the narratives around their behaviour. More specifically, to uncover if people high in dark personality traits can behave pro-socially, and under what contexts. Manal is also interested in the impact of AI and how it is going to affect people's behaviours as they go through job change and reskilling.
Why did you decide to pursue your PhD?
Well I had really only wanted to do my master's in psychology, but as part of my master’s dissertation experience I uncovered a very deep passion for research. I felt that I wanted to do research for the rest of my life. I loved it. It seemed like a calling. What I like to research has practical relevance on how organizations can manage their strategies in terms of managing difficult personalities (i.e., leadership development, HR practices). As well as uncovering interesting information that adds to theory and knowledge.
What is your research about?
I'm interested in a couple of different avenues, so to answer this question I will focus on my dissertation topic. That would be the Machiavellian personality trait. Machiavellianism is defined as individuals who have a cynical nature, who justify the means with the end and are willing to use manipulation and dishonesty to achieve their end goals. Amorality has been often included as a defining quality of Machiavellians. But I am interested in determining how Machiavellian and morality relate. More specifically, whether Machiavellians prosocial behaviors (that is good behaviors) in organizations are less genuine and more strategic in nature (and whether they can behave pro-socially at all! And if so, when?).
What sort of impact will your research findings have?
It will add to our knowledge on Machiavellianism and help understand the contextual factors that encourage prosocial behaviors in Machiavellians. Some academics have claimed that the behavior of people with dark traits should be studied and even mimicked, meaning we should train leaders to behave like those who are high in Machiavellianism because they achieve their goals and attain leadership positions. I’d like to contribute to the conversation but instead of focusing on how to train people to utilize dark traits, rather train people with the darker traits to be more helpful within organizations. On a practical side, I hope my research can be bridged into a more pragmatic space where organizations can promote ethical culture, encouraging Machiavellians to help coworkers, share knowledge, and be honest.
What brought you to Telfer/UOttawa?
The short answer: Jane O’Reilly and AJ Corner. I was very interested in the research topics and domains they have worked in.
What do you love most about being a PhD student?
Oh, it has been the best journey. Even the hard parts. But my favorite thing, especially after coming into it with my years of experience in the workforce, is the freedom to read, learn and most of all, investigate. I’m able to satiate my curiosity.
What advice do you have for others thinking about pursuing a PhD/MSc at Telfer?
For those pursuing a masters, know the reason you want to do it – if it is to do a PhD after, make sure to go with the thesis option and start early on contributing to research projects with professors. It will make the transition much smoother. If you want to do a PhD, make sure you are passionate about the topic (and aligned with the supervisor).
What’s your favorite spot or piece of equipment in the Triple I Lab, and why?
I am using FaceReader and it has been very helpful. FaceReader detects emotions, and provides an output sheet (excel) that has the intensity of the emotions, and a lot more. FaceReader has added a lot of value to my work. So I am biased, but that would be my favorite. I can talk forever on this. I also really like Tobii, although I am not using it. I like it because I find it fascinating – it tracks eye movement on the screen and I can think of so many ways it can be used in so many different projects.
