MACH-IV Machiavellianism Scale
The MACH-IV measures your tendency toward manipulative behavior, cynicism, and pragmatic morality.
It is one of the most widely used measures of the 'Dark Triad' personality traits.
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About the MACH-IV
The MACH-IV scale was developed by Richard Christie and Florence Geis in 1970 to measure Machiavellian personality traits. It is named after Niccolò Machiavelli, the Renaissance political philosopher known for his pragmatic approach to power.
Machiavellianism is one of the three traits in the 'Dark Triad' of personality, along with narcissism and psychopathy. High scorers tend to be more manipulative, cynical, and focused on self-interest.
Key Traits Measured
- Tactics: Use of manipulation and deception to achieve goals
- Views: Cynical view of human nature and motivations
- Morality: Pragmatic rather than principled approach to ethics
Applications
- Leadership and management research
- Organizational behavior studies
- Political psychology
- Negotiation and bargaining research
- Understanding interpersonal dynamics
References
- Christie, R., & Geis, F. L. (1970). Studies in Machiavellianism. New York: Academic Press.
- Fehr, B., Samsom, D., & Paulhus, D. L. (1992). The construct of Machiavellianism: Twenty years later. In C. D. Spielberger & J. N. Butcher (Eds.), Advances in personality assessment (Vol. 9, pp. 77-116). Hillsdale, NJ: Erlbaum.
Disclaimer
This test is for educational and self-reflection purposes only. It is not a diagnostic tool. If you are experiencing mental health concerns, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have another question? Let us know.
What is the MACH-IV?
The MACH-IV is a questionnaire developed by Richard Christie and Florence Geis in 1970 to measure Machiavellianism: a tendency to view others as means to ends, to be cynical about human nature, and to favor tactical, calculated social behavior.
Is a high Machiavellianism score bad?
Not automatically. Higher scores describe a pragmatic, skeptical view of social life and comfort with strategy and negotiation. The score is a self-report style measure, not a moral verdict or a clinical label.
Is Machiavellianism the same as narcissism or psychopathy?
No. They overlap but are distinct parts of the so-called dark triad. Machiavellianism emphasizes strategy and cynicism, narcissism centers on self-importance, and psychopathy on impulsivity and low empathy.
Can my score change over time?
Yes. Scores reflect current attitudes and habits, which can shift with age, experience, and context. Treat one result as a snapshot rather than a fixed trait.
How should I use my result?
As a prompt for reflection on how you handle trust, persuasion, and conflict. If this style is causing problems at work or in relationships, talking with a counselor helps more than any score.
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