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‘Psychopaths’ at Work? Implications of Lay Persons’ Use of Labels and Behavioural Criteria for Psychopathy

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Abstract

In attempting to explain or deal with negative workplace behaviours such as workplace bullying, the notion of ‘workplace psychopaths’ has recently received much attention. Focusing on individual aspects of negative workplace behaviour is at odds with more systemic approaches that recognise the contribution of individual, organisational and societal influences, without seeking to blame a person(s) for their behaviour or personality disorder. Regarding a coworker as a psychopath is highly stigmatising, and given the relatively low prevalence of psychopathy in the community, is likely to be incorrect. Sources promoting the notion of workplace psychopathy provide lists of diagnostic criteria and appear to encourage the perception that it is common. This research examines how lay persons use behavioural criteria consistent with psychopathy and the label ‘psychopath’ in relation to a coworker. 307 Australian workers completed an online survey concerning their experience of workplace bullying, which also asked them to rate a coworker’s behaviour on a range of scales to assess perceptions of psychopathy. Rates of psychopathy, when using labels and behavioural criteria, were found to be much higher than scientific estimates of prevalence, for both participants who had been bullied and those who had not. A higher proportion of non-bullied participants classified a coworker as a psychopath when using the label ‘psychopath’, compared to when using behavioural criteria. The notion that there are psychopaths in every workplace should be treated with caution to ensure that the potential for ‘misdiagnosis’ and stigmatisation do not cause further harm in situations of unacceptable workplace behaviours.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Aviation, The University of New South Wales, Level 2, Old Main Building K15, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia

    Carlo Caponecchia

  2. School of Risk and Safety Sciences, The University of New South Wales, Level 1, Old Main Building K15, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia

    Andrew Y. Z. Sun

  3. Wyatt Consultants Pty Ltd., P. O. Box 608, Springwood, NSW, 2777, Australia

    Anne Wyatt

Authors
  1. Carlo Caponecchia
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  2. Andrew Y. Z. Sun
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  3. Anne Wyatt
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Carlo Caponecchia.

Appendices

Appendix A

Behavioural Checklist

Think about the one person who you chose as showing the worst interpersonal behaviours at work. Please indicate the degree to which you agree with the following descriptions of that person.

  • The person is manipulative

  • The person shows glibness or superficial charm

  • The person is a pathological liar

  • The person lacks realistic, long-term goals

  • The person shows a lack of remorse or guilt

  • The person is callous, shallow, or lacks empathy

  • The person is unwilling to accept responsibility

  • The person has a grandiose (exaggerated) sense of self-worth

  • The person is impulsive

  • The person has a need for excitement and stimulation

  • The person has a parasitic lifestyle

  • The person is responsible (reverse scored)

  • The person shows superficial emotions

Appendix B

Words Used in the Word Ratings Scale

Negative

Neutral

Positive

A psychopath

Difficult

Smart

A liar

Erratic

Efficient

Threatening

Antisocial

Fair

A monster

Nuts

Caring

Psychotic

Crazy

Courteous

A bully

Outrageous

Reliable

A snake

Challenging

Generous

A control freak

Shy

Honest

A bastard

Traditional

Wise

Schizo

Stoic

Approachable

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Caponecchia, C., Sun, A.Y.Z. & Wyatt, A. ‘Psychopaths’ at Work? Implications of Lay Persons’ Use of Labels and Behavioural Criteria for Psychopathy. J Bus Ethics 107, 399–408 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-011-1049-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-011-1049-9

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