Psychopaths rule at work

PEOPLE with psychopathic tendencies are more likely to succeed in the workplace, according to a world expert on mental health.

Robert Hare, of the University of Columbia, claims people exhibiting psychopathic behaviour win promotion as they lack conscience and have an inflated sense of self.

Speaking at a police conference in New York, he said that the recent blue-chip accounting scandals at Enron and WorldCom were caused by psychopathic chief executives.

Hare, who says one in 100 people is a clinical psychopath, added that workplace psychos are deceitful, short-tempered, crave excitement and are irresponsible.

Calling for workplace testing, he said: "These are callous, cold-blooded individuals. They have no sense of guilt and remorse."