What drives manipulators to engage in unethical behavior at work?

The motivation for manipulators to engage in unethical behavior at work primarily stems from the desire to gain personal advantage. This can manifest in various forms, such as pursuing promotions, financial gains, or any other benefits that may come from unethical actions. Manipulators often prioritize their own interests over the well-being of the team or the organization, leading them to deploy strategies that may undermine colleagues or the overall ethical climate of the workplace.

In this context, options that suggest a focus on collective success, alignment with company goals, or acting in the best interests of all are typically associated with ethical behavior and teamwork. Those exhibiting manipulative tendencies, however, tend to disregard these principles in favor of their own self-serving agendas. Thus, the correct answer identifies the core motivation of manipulators as self-interest, highlighting a crucial psychology behind unethical workplace behavior.