Business & Money

Are you sat next to the office psychopath?

Office psychopath Psychologists have warned that there are far more psychopaths around us than we first thought.

One could be sitting next to you at work or could even be your boss, as the same character traits that sadistic killers possess tend to lead businessmen to success.

New Scientist magazine have unearthed that so-called 'corporate psychopaths' vastly outnumber those who commit crimes and end up in prison.

They tend to be manipulative, arrogant, callous, impatient, impulsive, unreliable, superficially charming and prone to instability.

Other traits include breaking promises, taking credit for the work of others and blaming everyone else when things go wrong.

But the key characteristic of all psychopaths is having no conscience along with lacking all signs of empathy to those around them.

Psychologists have estimated that around 1% of Britons will fall into this category.

This means that there are around 600,000 of them in circulation; therefore most offices could feasibly harbour at least one psychopath.

Additionally, most psychopaths are not in prison and have probably never been arrested during their lifetime.

The scientists warn that co-workers should become more aware of their existence to avoid being their next 'corporate victim'.

'Corporate psychopaths' tend to thrive especially in high-powered professions such as politics, the media, law and business where they can dominate over others during their work.

These same characteristics can often lead them down the road of embezzlement, fraud and result in company scandals.

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Professor Hare, a consultant for the FBI and an honorary professor at the University of Cardiff, said: "Psychopaths are social predators and like all predators they are looking for feeding grounds.

"Wherever you get power, prestige and money you will find them.

"The most important thing is to be aware, if you suspect you are working with a psychopath. Once you take that position you are in a better position to deal with them."