To explore how corporate psychopathic leaders undertake their roles and the implications for their leadership practice

The aim of the study is to explore whether corporate psychopaths are the destructive leaders so many researchers believe, or whether they can have positive impacts on business performance. To achieve the set objectives of the research a mixed-methods approach will be adopted using an online survey and semi structured interviews with owner/managers of small organisations. The research paper has the potential to make a theoretical contribution by expanding our understanding of corporate psychopaths in leadership roles, having a better understanding of these leaders will benefit organisations from an applied perspective.