Childhood Misbehavior, Toxic Personality and Leadership

Thomas Buser ()
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Thomas Buser: University of Amsterdam

No 18744, IZA Discussion Papers from IZA Network @ LISER

Abstract: Recent studies have found that childhood misbehavior, despite predicting worse schooling outcomes, is associated with higher adult earnings. Using a retrospective measure in a representative Dutch survey panel, I document a new dimension of the misbehavior-career link: people who misbehaved as children are overrepresented in leadership positions and among entrepreneurs. Yet the same people are, as adults, more likely to engage in physical aggression and social transgressions. They also have an aversive personality – markedly more disagreeable, dishonest, narcissistic, manipulative, neurotic, unconscientious, and vindictive – and report lower wellbeing. These patterns persist even among those who reach the top, making them potentially toxic as leaders.

Keywords: childhood misbehavior; externalizing behavior; leadership; antisocial behavior; personality; non-cognitive skills (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: D91 I21 J24 M51 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026-06
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