Now, computer programme to spot narcissism in company executives

A new computer programme capable of spotting narcissism in company executives has been developed by the Binghamton University researchers.

The team of researchers claimed that it has developed a computerized content-analysis tool that reliably and validly measures narcissistic and psychopathic traits in leaders of Fortune 100 companies, Mashable reports.

The analysis program employs a built-in dictionary of words, phrases and rules that can be used to help predict certain negative personality traits.

Co-author William Spangler said that narcissism and psychopathy are aspects of maladaptive personality, which can have a serious impact upon individuals and those with whom they interact, and can seriously affect the decisions leaders make for productivity and culture of their organizations.

He said the research is going to help the boards of directors to make hiring decisions, particularly CEOs, by taking a close look at candidates' personality characteristics, including traits of psychopathy, grandiose narcissism and covert or defensive narcissism.