From Darkness Into the Light: Psychopathy in Industrial and Organizational Psychology

In this chapter I provide a brief review of the research to date on psychopaths working in business settings. I begin by tracking the evolution of psychopathy research in industrial–organizational (I-O) psychology and providing evidence that psychopaths do appear able to infiltrate the corporate world. A model explaining the psychopath’s ability to prosper within the business world through manipulation and conning is then presented. Issues pertaining to the assessment of psychopathy in I-O settings are then discussed, following which a new instrument—the B-Scan 360—is introduced. I conclude with future directions and implications for society.