There are certainly more people in the business world who would score high in the psychopathic dimension than in the general population. You’ll find them in any organization where, by the nature of one’s position, you have power and control over other people and the opportunity to get something.

The quote suggests that within the business world, there are individuals who exhibit traits commonly associated with psychopathy at a higher rate than what might be found among the general population. These people tend to gravitate towards roles where they can wield significant influence and control over others and use this power for personal gain.

Digging deeper into this statement reveals broader implications about corporate dynamics and human behavior in hierarchical structures. It implies that environments that allow individuals to amass authority and exploit it may attract or nurture those with a tendency toward manipulative, self-serving actions. This observation encourages us to consider the ethical underpinnings of leadership roles and organizational design, highlighting how power can sometimes be wielded irresponsibly if not properly checked.

The quote is attributed to Robert D. Hare, a renowned Canadian psychologist specializing in criminal behavior and psychopathy. He is best known for developing the Hare Psychopathy Checklist, a tool widely used in forensic psychology to assess levels of psychopathic traits among incarcerated individuals and those involved in criminal activities.