Around one in five corporate bosses are psychopaths - a proportion similar to that among prisoners - according to a new study.
Research conducted by forensic psychologist Nathan Brooks from Bond University found 21 per cent of 261 corporated professionals had clinically significant psychopathic traits.
Characteristics such as an inability to empathise, superficiality and insincerity are all associated with the condition.
Mr Brooks said the findings suggested businesses should screen employees according to their personality features, rather than simply their skills.
A type of "successful psychopath" who may be inclined to unethical or illegal practices has been allowed into the top ranks of companies because of the way firms hire, according to Mr Brooks.
Along with researchers Katarina Fritzon of Bond University and Simon Croom of the University of San Diego, Mr Brooks presented the study at the Australian Psychological Society's annual congress in Melbourne.