The Telegraph: Does power really corrupt? Why genetics could be behind politicians repeating career-ending mistakes

 

Thomas Roulet, Associate Professor in Organisation Theory at Cambridge Judge Business School and author of The power of being divisive, is among experts who believe people pursuing power could be genetically influenced to either seek authority directly or exhibit the traits that make leadership more likely.

“If you look at MPs in general, they have lots of good sides, they’re usually very likeable and personable and have qualities that help them get elected. But they are under a lot of pressure to perform and so they often do things they wouldn’t usually do to relieve stress which leads to misconduct. Then there is the opportunity part and a sense of entitlement. If you have the power to misbehave, you obviously are more likely to do it.”, Thomas said.

Read the full article [Telegraph.co.uk]