Overall Score (score 67)

Overall level of integrity and professionalism.

Sam's score indicates that his propensity for dishonest behavior is average. He is likely honest in some situations, but in others, he may find himself giving in to the temptation to act dishonestly. This does not necessarily mean that he will "misbehave" in an organization, but it does indicate that he could occasionally fall into the trap of acting inappropriately in tempting situations, perhaps when he thinks his chances of getting caught are low, or when he believes the act he is committing is minor. While certain dishonest acts may seem harmless (making a personal call during work hours, taking extra time on his lunch, taking pens or small office supplies), an employer could see his actions as a breach of trust and most importantly, as grounds for dismissal.

Conscience (score 69)

Degree to which a person adopts and maintains a clear set of principles.

Our conscience is that inner voice that encourages us to question our motives before or after we commit an act that we feel is deceitful or dishonest. This moral perception, typically instilled at a young age based on spoken and unspoken rules of conduct, tends to be the basis from which people make their decisions on how to behave in certain situations. Those who follow their conscience may be more likely to make decisions and take action - for the better - based on its guidance. Reviews Sam's results below for details on the factors that contribute to this scale, and how he performed.

Attitude Towards Dishonest Behavior (score 80)

Examines the extent to which a person feels certain dishonest behaviors are wrong.

Sam seems to believe quite strongly that dishonesty should not be tolerated, even when it comes to what some would consider minor misdemeanors. He has a strict attitude toward the behaviors mentioned in the test, which could mean that he likely will not tolerate these behaviors in others and most importantly, in himself. There are certain moral lines that he believes people should not cross, and he has drawn his quite distinctly. He appears to take rule-following very seriously, even when breaking a certain rule would be inconsequential.

Justifying Dishonest Behavior (score 11)

Assesses whether a person tends to rationalize acts of dishonesty.

It is essential for managers to pick employees who are not prone to rationalizing dishonest behavior, as these types of individuals are less likely to behave dishonestly even when they feel wronged. Let's face it; many employees are frustrated with their managers or their company at some point, so the rationalizing of dishonest behavior should be a real concern for employers. In Sam's case, however, managers may have nothing to worry about. He believe that there is no excuse for acts of deceit, whether major or minor. He believes that people need to be held accountable for their actions, regardless of the circumstances from which they arose.

Cynical View of Morality (score 33)

Assesses whether a person has a negative view of morals and principles.

Sam deems morality as essential, and this attitude likely plays a prominent role in his own life. It is his conviction that adopting a clear code of ethics for everyone to follow is the best option for an organization and a society as a whole, as it is perhaps the only way to maintain order and ensure fairness. While he may not agree with all rules and laws, he does think it's important to follow them. He believes quite strongly in his own principles and those established by others. While his attitude is commendable, what matters is how he reacts when he is put in a moral-testing situation. He needs to be able to stand by his convictions.

Cynical View of Humanity (score 29)

Degree to which a person has a pessimistic view of humanity.

Sam believes that most people are well-intentioned and fundamentally good. He takes people at their word, gives them the benefit of the doubt, and has faith in their abilities. Cynicism is not in his nature; to Sam, everyone is trustworthy unless proven otherwise. This is likely going to make teamwork and getting along with others an easier process. He needs to keep in mind, however, that trusting people too easily can prove disadvantageous. While his belief in the goodness of human nature is admirable, he needs to make sure that the people he places his faith in deserve it. There's nothing wrong with being a little cautious.

Remorsefulness (score 83)

Degree to which a person feels regret for committing transgressions.

Whatever his punishment for a wrongdoing, Sam seems to chastise himself even more. He has a strong sense of remorse, and tends to feel very guilty when he does something wrong, especially when whatever advantage he gained as a result of his deceit comes at the expense of others. The fact that he feels remorse when he does something wrong doesn't necessarily mean that it will stop him from behaving dishonestly, but it may make him think twice about committing the same or similar acts in the future.

Values Integrity (score 50)

Degree to which a person acts in accordance with his/her values.

The fact that Sam sometimes purposely chooses to put aside his principles even when he knows it is wrong to do so is a concern. There are some situations where he feels incapable of standing by his values; he may find himself doing what other people want, or what he feels is expected of him rather than what he personally feels is right. He may also find it difficult to rise above peer pressure, which means that he might ignore injustices or immoral behavior even if they're wrong. While it can be a challenge to stand by his values in situations where turning a blind eye would be so easy, Sam needs to ask himself whether doing so is something he can live with.

Manipulation (score 39)

Degree to which a person is likely to influence others to suit his/her own purpose.

When Sam wants something from someone, he will simply ask them. He is not the type of person who manipulates or conspires to get someone on his side; he prefers to earn someone's loyalty. This probably puts people's minds at ease and makes it more likely that they will rely on him in times of need. The idea of using people's emotions against them in order to gain something does not sit right with Sam at all. When he does something for others he does so because he wants to, not because he is trying to gain leverage. Using others in order to achieve what he wants does not play into his plans. He is not a cold and calculating person and refuses to take advantage of others for his own personal gain.

Deception (score 61)

Degree to which a person is likely to lie to or deceive others.

Sam never completely reveals what he is thinking, and others are likely unsure sometimes about his intentions or whether they can take his words at face value. Perhaps he prefers to keep his opinions and feelings to himself until he knows he can trust a person. If, however, he is knowingly being insincere and presenting himself as someone he is not, this will not go over well with others when he does show his true self. The fact that he often hides who he is will make people question whether he is genuine and whether being associated with him is worth the trouble.

Conscientiousness (score 59)

Assesses the degree to which a person is productive and responsible at work.

Research on conscientiousness has continually linked it with professional success, job satisfaction, and workplace integrity. A person who is conscientious is a purposeful and industrious individual who continuously strives to accomplish more and to meet even the toughest work demands. This person does not shy away from big workloads or responsibility. They are dedicated to doing their duty and more if need be, making them a highly-valued employee. Reviews Sam's results below for details on the factors that contribute to this scale, and how he performed.

Trustworthiness (score 55)

Degree to which a person can be trusted.

Others will find it difficult to trust Sam, or may at least experience doubts about him. Some of the decisions he makes or actions he takes will cause others to wonder whether they can ever fully trust him. He may also have issues with discretion. Sam is either not aware that some of his behaviors are questionable, or is not very concerned about how they impact people's impression of him. Whatever the case, his inconsistent trustworthiness can cause some serious and potentially irreversible damage to his reputation. He needs to make it a priority to earn people's trust. He may only keep someone's trust if breaking it would result in severe consequences for him.

Accountability (score 56)

Assesses whether a person is willing to take responsibility for his/her actions, good and bad.

Sam takes responsibility for some of his actions, but doesn't do so on a consistent basis. He might come up with a valid rationale for why things didn't work out for him and might admit to having played a part, but will not entirely own up to his responsibilities. Sometimes, he will make the necessary changes to advance and improve, but this isn't always the case. His performance depends a great deal upon his actions and decisions - he needs to improve his level of accountability.

Organizational Commitment & Loyalty (score 53)

Degree to which a person is devoted to a company and dedicated to doing a good job.

Although Sam is likely to be loyal to a company if he really enjoys working there, this also means that his sense of loyalty is, at most, conditional. Under the right circumstances (e.g. what he perceives to be a better job opportunity), he may renounce his allegiance to a company. This may leave employers and teammates with the impression that he is not very reliable, which could tarnish his reputation. Moreover, if he is not entirely committed to an organization, Sam may not feel that it is necessary to put in a dedicated effort to get work done well.

Self-Interest (score 25)

Degree to which a person focuses on his/her own interests and disregards others'.

Although looking out for one's own needs isn't wrong under all circumstances, employers have a reason to be concerned about someone who displays this inclination. When someone is looking out only for themselves, they are more likely to develop the reputation of being difficult to work with. Self-interest and teamwork simply do not meld well together. Reviews Sam's results below for details on the factors that contribute to this scale, and how he performed.

Sense of Grandiosity/Superiority (score 13)

Degree to which a person feels superior to others.

Sam may very well have certain advantages over others, but he does not believe he is superior to them. He recognizes that there are aspects of himself that he can still develop, and while this doesn't necessarily mean that he is actively doing so, he is at least aware that he has room to grow. He knows that he is not infallible and likely doesn't give others this impression either. He also doesn't expect to have things handed to him without having to work for them, nor does he expect others to bend to his will. Evidently, Sam wants people to respect him and to acknowledge his efforts, but he is not the type of person to be demanding. He makes his way in the world by working hard, being adaptable, and creating his own opportunities.

Desire for Admiration (score 38)

Degree to which a person seeks out and yearns for admiration.

Sam experiences a great deal of pride and satisfaction after achieving something - getting praise from others is simply an added bonus. He doesn't thrive on admiration, although he likely wouldn't object to some recognition and gratitude on occasion. Even if he accomplishes something major, he wouldn't be too disappointed if he were not praised for it. Basking in the spotlight of others' esteem isn't really his style.

Egocentrism (score 26)

Degree to which a person puts himself/herself first.

Sam tries to help others as often as possible and will put in whatever effort is necessary to fulfill their needs; in fact, he will likely give more on some occasions. The well-being of the people around him is extremely important to him, and he wants to make sure that the lives of others are made better by his efforts and involvement. Sam gives selflessly and strives to make a positive impact on the world and the people he comes in contact with. It seems to be his natural instinct to be kind and altruistic.

Red-flag traits/attitude (score 36)

Degree to which a person possesses disadvantageous traits that can affect the work atmosphere and morale of others.

The repercussions of having to interact with someone who has a toxic personality are staggering. Not only is this person very difficult to get along with, his/her abrasiveness can spread like a virus, impacting morale, unity, and job satisfaction. People who possess the problematic characteristics below almost always do more harm than good in an organization. Reviews Sam's results below for details on the factors that contribute to this scale, and how he performed.

Disdain for Gullible People (score 53)

Degree to which a person has a harsh view of gullible people.

It sometimes irks Sam when a person accepts information blindly, without questioning its source or validity. A certain degree of wide-eyed innocence can appear charming, but people who are exceedingly gullible can occasionally rub him the wrong way. He is likely someone who thinks it's important to think critically about information - a healthy level of skepticism, in his mind, is essential. Anyone who thinks otherwise may strike him as a little foolish.

Disdain for Rule-followers (score 25)

Degree to which a person has a harsh view of people who obey rules.

Sam believes that rules are in place for a reason. While this doesn't guarantee that he will follow them consistently, it does indicate that he has some sense of respect for authority. Most importantly, he thinks that people who obey rules and orders are setting a good example for others. He generally has no issue with people who are strict rule-followers.

Disdain for Weakness (score 60)

Degree to which a person abhors weakness in others.

Everyone has their faults and vulnerabilities, but that doesn't necessarily mean Sam wants to bear witness to them. When someone appears weak or helpless, part of him will feel sympathy or pity; he probably thinks it's generally fine for them to lean on others in difficult times. He also likely believes, however, that people have to learn to be self-sufficient. Weakness in others may not bother him to an extreme degree, but people who constantly play the victim will likely lose his respect.

Maliciousness (score 30)

Degree to which a person is intentionally callous and harsh.

It is not in Sam to be intentionally cruel to others. While he may occasionally offend someone, he likely doesn't set out to do so. He would rather keep his opinion to himself than speak ill of a person or hurt their feelings. Even when someone rubs him the wrong way, he will not lower himself to their level. He strives to be civil and diplomatic.

Schadenfreude (score 24)

Degree to which a person takes pleasure in the misfortunes of others.

Sam believes that other people's struggles should be viewed with pity, not mockery - even if the people in question are those who have wronged him. At most, he may feel a sense of gratitude that he is not in their place, but he takes little if any pleasure in the miseries of others. He would rather not tempt fate by gloating over other people's misfortunes.

Antagonism (score 27)

Degree to which a person displays intense and often unnecessary hostility.

It is not in Sam's nature to be antagonistic or argumentative; in fact, he may prefer to withdraw from a confrontation in order to avoid "rocking the boat." Even if others try to pick a fight with him, it is extremely unlikely that he will allow himself to be drawn in. It is not in him to be hostile or to antagonize others. He prefers to adopt a collaborative attitude, and this is likely reflected in the way he interacts with people and generally behaves on-the-job.

Vindictiveness (score 54)

Degree to which a person is inclined to take revenge when wronged.

It's not always easy for Sam to let a transgression go; part of him wants nothing more than to seek retribution. He may be more likely to take this route when he feels someone has really hurt him or when he feels the person really deserves to be taught a lesson. He likely recognizes that righting a wrong by committing another dishonest act is not proper, but may feel it's his only option under some circumstances. Sam is not always willing to merciful; in his mind, some actions cannot go unpunished.

Machiavellianism (score 52)

Degree to which a person displays traits that characterize a Machiavellian personality.

Sam is not a full-blooded Machiavellian, but does share some of the characteristics of this personality type. While this doesn't necessarily mean that he will callously step on others in order to get what he wants, he is at least somewhat opportunistic. This may be a function of his world view: While he considers it important to conduct himself honorably, he also feels that sometimes, achieving what he desires requires under-handed means. In his view, it's a matter of self-preservation in a sometimes tough and cruel world.

Impression Management (score 38)

Assesses whether a person responded to the questions in a socially desirable manner.

This scale assesses the degree to which results on this test are distorted or manipulated. Many people will try to present themselves in a better light, especially if the stakes are high.

Test-taker answers are compared to responses obtained from a large sample of the general population. When someone systematically selects socially desirable responses that are rarely endorsed by others, there is good reason to believe that a positive self-presentation bias is at play. A score that is suspiciously high may indicate that a person is lying, which may invalidate that whole test.

There was little or no indication in Sam's results to suggest that he was lying or trying to present himself in a favorable light.

Advice made available with actual full reports only.