Dark leadership and neuroscience

Malcolm Higgs

Chapter 20 in Elgar Concise Encyclopedia of Neuroscience and Management, 2026, pp 69-72 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: This entry challenges the traditional assumption that leadership is inherently good, highlighting the emergence and impact of dark leadership. Drawing on examples such as Enron and the 2008 financial crisis, it explores constructs like narcissism, psychopathy, and abusive supervision. The entry examines how organisational enablers and systemic pressures contribute to destructive leadership behaviours. It also discusses the nuanced nature of narcissism and the role of neuroscience in understanding empathy deficits, moral disengagement, and stress responses in dark leaders. Ultimately, it advocates for ethical leadership development and organisational strategies to mitigate the harmful effects of dark leadership.

Keywords: Dark leadership; Psychopathy; Narcissism; Machiavellians; Ethical leadership; Abusive supervision (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
ISBN: 9781035332885
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