1 in 5 Corporate Bosses Are Psychopaths

A round one in five corporate bosses is psychopaths – a proportion similar to that among prisoners – say a new study. Study conducted by forensic psychologist found 21% of 261 corporate professionals had clinically significant psychopathic traits. Characteristics such as inability to empathies, superficiality and insincerity are all associated with the condition. Researcher said the findings suggested businesses should screen employees according to their personality features, rather than simply their skills.

 A type of “successful psychopath” who may be inclined to unethical or illegal practices has been allowed into the top ranks of companied because of the way firms hire. Researcher says that figure “shared similarities to what we would find in a prison population”. In the general population, around 1% are psychopaths, although some studies put the figure at 4%. Being a psychopath might predispose someone to short-term success. They tend to be charming and flamboyant, which makes it easier to be successful in the short-run.