D138

Opportunism

BD12 Dark & Difficult Traits
Derived LayerMML-3

Version v1.2.4

Definition

A tendency to switch sides, rules, or commitments for advantage, prioritizing personal gain over obligation and accountability.

Poles

Each HES element is a spectrum, not a category: the Low and High poles describe how it presents at its two extremes, while the Reference marks the typical, everyday middle. The poles map variation across the range — neither end is inherently better or worse.

Low Pole

Low opportunism: prioritizes long-horizon reputation and commitments over short-term gains from defection.

High Pole

High opportunism: commitments are easily abandoned; alignment shifts with advantage (“if it pays, it’s justified”).

Reference

Flexible but bounded: adapts tactics while preserving core obligations.

Measure

Primary: Stability — adherence to commitments when an attractive alternative payoff appears.

Measuring Methods

Trade-off scenarios (gain vs obligation) + behavioral history (defection patterns, peer reports); must control for survival contexts.

Empirical Anchor

Opportunism / Machiavellian opportunism (Christie & Geis, 1970); strategic self-interest; exploitation tendency.

Notes

Not the same as Pragmatism (D145): pragmatism selects workable solutions; opportunism breaks commitments for gain.

Citation

APA

Human Elements System. (2026). Opportunism (HES Passport D138, v1.2.4). hestable.com. https://hestable.com/passport/D138

BibTeX

@misc{hes_D138, author = {{Human Elements System}}, title = {{Opportunism}}, year = {2026}, note = {HES Passport D138, v1.2.4}, howpublished = {\url{https://hestable.com/passport/D138}} }