Study identifies world’s first corporate psychopath

Key Points:

• New research identifies Jeronimus Cornelisz, a 17th-century Dutch East India Company manager, as the earliest documented corporate psychopath, displaying all 10 core traits associated with toxic corporate leaders today.
• Cornelisz consolidated power among shipwreck survivors by eliminating rivals, instilling fear, and committing mass murder and sexual violence, actions justified as resource conservation but serving his pursuit of control.
• In contrast, survivor leader Wiebbe Hayes fostered cooperation and resourcefulness, securing ample food and water, illustrating how different leadership approaches led to vastly different outcomes under identical crisis conditions.
• The study highlights that traits linked to corporate psychopathy have been present since the origins of global capitalism and continue to impact modern organizations through workplace bullying, reduced wellbeing, and organizational failure.
• Researchers emphasize the need for employers to prioritize character, ethics, and values in senior leadership selection to mitigate the risks posed by psychopathic leaders.