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THE POWER ORIENTATION TEST

This test is designed to compute your Machiavellianism ( Mach ) score.

INSTRUCTIONS : For each statement, circle the number that most closely resembles your attitude.

Please answer all questions to get an accurate rating from this test.

STATEMENT

DISAGREE

AGREE
A lot A little A little A lot
1. The best way to handle people is to tell them what they want to hear. 1

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 5
2. When you ask someone to do something for you, it is best to give the real reason for wanting it rather than giving reasons that might give more weight. 1

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 5
3. Anyone who completely trusts anyone else is asking for trouble. 1

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 5
4. It is hard to get ahead without cutting corners here and there. 1

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 5
5. It is safest to assume that all people have a vicious streak, and it will come out when they are given a chance. 1

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 5
6. One should take action only when it is morally right. 1

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 5
7. Most people are basically good and kind. 1

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8. There is no excuse for lying to someone else. 1

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9. Most people more easily forget the death of their father than the loss of their property. 1

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10. Generally speaking, people won't work hard unless they're forced to do so. 1

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 5


The results of research using the Mach Test have found that (1) men are generally more Machiavellian than women, (2) older adults tend to have lower Mach scores than younger adults, (3) there is no significant difference between high Machs and low Machs on measures of intelligence or ability, (4) Machiavellianism is not significantly related to demographic characteristics such as educational level or marital status, and (5) high Machs tend to be in professions that emphasize the control and manipulation of individuals-for example, managers, lawyers, psychiatrists, and behavioural scientists.

 

 

 

 

SOURCE : R. Christie and F.L. Geis, Studies in Machiavellianism. Academic Press 1970.

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