Working with individuals with psychopathic traits could be beneficial, a new research has revealed.
Many view psychopaths as distant, cold, repulsive and unrepentant individuals, making people think that they are more difficult to work with. However, University of Bonn researchers have revealed that individuals with psychopathic behaviors are more cooperative and helpful with their colleagues.
The researchers argue that not all "psychopaths" are anti-socials or burdens of the society. They can also be productive individuals who can work with a team. The researchers said that there are always two sides into a personality, which can work together but not necessarily having to.
In fact, an earlier study from the De La Salle University in the Philippines has revealed that highly creative individuals like artists share traits with psychopaths. British journalist Jon Ronson even wrote that about 4 percent of Fortune 500's CEOs exhibit psychopathic traits.
Victor Lipman, who authored "The Type B Manager: Leading Successfully in a Type A World," wrote a piece that tackled the link between leadership and psychopathy. He noted that some of psychopathic traits are also the same characteristics needed to win big in the business world.
To further understand two types of psychopathic traits — self-centered impulsivity and fearless dominance — the researchers interviewed 161 individuals who have prominently displayed the said traits. They found that those with fearless dominance are viewed by their co-workers as good team players.
"People with this character want to get their way ... and can withstand stress very well," said lead researcher Nora Schütte, who is also an occupational psychologist at the Institute of Psychology at University of Bonn. "We also speak of primary psychopathy."
Schütte said that this positive side of the trait is only possible if it is present in individuals who have good social skills. They must have the skills that want to make others feel well.
On the other hand, individuals who exhibited the second trait — self-centered impulsivity — are often disruptive at work and consistently performing poorly, with or without good social skills.
"Their self-control is thus weak, and they therefore do not have any consideration for others. They are referred to as secondary psychopaths," said Schütte. Individuals with self-centered impulsivity cause problems in the workplace and become even more pronounced when they are with fearless dominant individuals, Schütte added.
Individuals who have fearless dominance usually are the everyday heroes like emergency physicians, life-savers and firefighters, said Professor Gerhard Blickle, Schütte's doctoral supervisor.
The study is published in the Journal of Management.
