Roughly one-fifth of top corporate professionals have ‘extremely high’ levels of psychopathic traits, according to a new study – about the same rate as seen among prisoners.
‘Successful psychopaths’ have become increasingly common in the last decade, and often lack empathy or remorse, having a toxic impact on the employees around them.
Researchers say these findings are much higher than expected, and warn that these individuals may turn to unethical and illegal tactics to get ahead.
Roughly one-fifth of top corporate professionals have ‘extremely high’ levels of psychopathic traits, according to a new study – about the same rate as seen among prisoners. A scene from American Psycho is pictured
THE 'DARK TRIAD' OF TRAITS
Narcissism: Tendencies of attention-seeking, charm, vanity, grandiose yet low self-esteem, and a willingness to manipulate others.
Machiavellianism: Coldness, immoral thinking, long-term manipulation, blunt practicality, and hunger for money, success or power.
Psychopathy: Antisocial behaviours, thrill-seeking, manipulation and impulsivity.
In the new study, the team from Bond University in Australia and the University of San Diego examined the prevalence of psychopathic traits in the business sector.
The findings were presented today at the Australian Psychological Society Congress in Melbourne.
A study of 261 corporate professionals in the supply chain management industry revealed that 21 percent of these individuals have ‘clinically significant levels of psychopathic traits.’
This is compared with about one in 100 people from the general population, and one in five people in the prison system found to have these traits.
