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Dr Babiak and Dr Hare say some of the traits most admired by corporations suit the profile of the average psychopath. "They tend to have a facade of charm that is very effective in ingratiating themselves with people in power and which hides their anti-social tendencies," says Dr Babiak.

"It is very easy for psychopaths to play up to what the establishment wants. If that is getting in early and staying late, it's no problem. Most of them can't believe how easy it is."

As America attempts to rid itself of the showbiz chief executives, boardroom recruiters are taking more trouble to delve into candidates' psychological make-up. Psychopaths tend to be arrogant, short-tempered, manipulative, deceitful, lacking in empathy and remorse, and with a need for self-aggrandisement while apparently being "rational".