The Dark Side of Time Management: Exploring the Link Between the Dark Tetrad and Time Theft Among Employees in Kyrgyzstan
Author(s): Aaron Cohen, Emrah Özsoy, Kadir Ardıç
Abstract: This study examines the factors associated with time theft in Kyrgyzstan, an understudied region in this context. The proposed model investigates Dark Tetrad traits (narcissism, Machiavellianism, psychopathy, and sadism), situational variables (loneliness, workplace boredom, social media addiction, and pay satisfaction), and demographic factors as potential influences on time theft. Data were collected online from 236 white-collar employees in Kyrgyzstan. The findings indicated that narcissism significantly affected all three dimensions of time theft (classical, technological, and social). Among the situational variables, workplace boredom was identified as the strongest predictor for all three dimensions of time theft. Significant effects were also observed for social media addiction and pay satisfaction. Males showed higher involvement across all three dimensions of time theft. The study suggests directions for future research and practical applications. Employers are advised to monitor Dark Tetrad traits more closely. There is a need to provide engaging, challenging tasks to reduce time theft.
Keywords: Dark Tetrad traits; Time theft; Kyrgyzstan; Workplace boredom; Social media addiction
Published: April 13, 2026
Article: e24004
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