The Origins of Corporate Psychopaths

Abstract

This chapter examines the origins of Corporate Psychopaths as a construct and the state of knowledge regarding the potential causes of psychopathy. This is a literature review conducted as part of the wider investigation into the presence of Corporate Psychopaths in workplaces and their influence on workplace outcomes. The objective of this chapter is to use the literature on psychopathy, psychopaths and Corporate Psychopaths to determine what is known about the origins of the syndrome as it applies to the area of business, corporations and organisations. The chapter first discusses the syndrome of psychopathy and how it is assessed. This is followed by a discussion of the possible physical origins of the syndrome and of childhood factors in its development. This leads to a definition of who psychopaths are and of criminal psychopaths. The realisation, by psychologists, that non-criminal or successful psychopaths exist is then discussed, and this discussion is followed by a definition of Corporate Psychopaths.