Personality and Values in Choices (Hypothetical Thought Experiment on Hate and Corruption)

Sometimes we can look at research to help us understand how and why people make choices and how values impact those choices. Whether one is leading a group of people or serving in an official capacity the personality of leaders and social influencers impacts their choices and system outcomes.When we look at the study below we find that those who are more empathetic and display agreeableness make decisions for others while those with more Machiavellism and directive values are focused on self gain.

We are using a hypothetical philosophical thought experiment to explore how a highly manipulative person(s) could influence a closed corrupted network to utilize official position to target out group members (Can be any race, religion and politic). The goal being financial and social gain in a cultic homogenous social network known as "The Clan". Numerous victims came forward to expose an aggressive group that sexually exploited vulnerable women, targeted minorities (race, religion, politic don't matter), indication of financial gain, and retaliating against whistleblowers. 

Investigations into the group were squashed but whistleblowers went on a targeting lists and aspects of local justice became warped through conflicts of interests, social networks, and protection of extreme ideologies. Remember this is for learning purposes so relax because we can write a positive outcome as the system learns to protect itself from such misdeeds and reverse poor decisions made off extreme prejudice and self interest (In this hypothetical long running example they clearly told he targets why they were targeting them and engaged in all types of misbehaviors that were rewarded and encouraged. The inability to correct is rooted in decision maker values. In some ways they should be responsible for every victim after the initial complaints.). It is also a story of the importance of whistleblowers to society and the need for the best and brightest to take leading positions (vs. clan or social networks) to protect and enhance the whole.

The study below highlights the need to understand personality and values and how they can impact systems without appropriate checks and balances. Good majority of people who work in such systems deserve to work with people focused on the same positive and prosocial outcomes (They have an important job and we want them to be effective at it.). Having everyone rowing in the same direction means efficient and effective measured outcomes. Hate, cultic networks and corruption can lead to waste, poor work environments, and destroy trust. I'm an advocate for strengthening institutions as much as humanly possible because it can help society function and thrive. It shows respect for the institution and our shared social contracts.

For now recognize the influence of personality on behaviors and in positions of influence how it can impact social networks and the functioning of closed systems. This is the third phase of the thought experiment where social position is being solidified in a caste like structure with different laws and rules are held for different members. In later phases we will talk about restoring justice and how to create a single indivisible people based on shared purpose and walking the talk on oaths (an indication of values). We may also talk about the risk of wink and nod justice and inabilty to reverse victimization that puts future people at risk.

Do Values Relate to Personality Traits and if so, in What Way?

*This is a hypothetical thought experiment for philosophical exploration. Take with a grain of salt as it is for learning purposes.

Czerniawska M, Szydło J. Do Values Relate to Personality Traits and if so, in What Way? - Analysis of Relationships. Psychol Res Behav Manag. 2021 May 3;14:511-527. doi: 10.2147/PRBM.S299720. PMID: 33976575; PMCID: PMC8104970.