Self-deceived individuals deceive others better

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2014-08/uoe-sid082614.php

PUBLIC RELEASE DATE: 27-Aug-2014

Contact: Eleanor Gaskarth
University of Exeter
Self-deceived individuals deceive others better

Over confident people can fool others into believing they are more talented than they actually are, a study has found.

These 'self-deceived' individuals could be more likely to get promotions and reach influential positions in banks and other organizations. And these people are more likely to overestimate other people's abilities and take greater risks, possibly creating problems for their organizations.

The study by researchers from Newcastle University and the University of Exeter, has also found that those who are under confident in their own abilities are viewed as less able by their colleagues.

The findings, which will be published in the journal PLOS ONE today, are the first time a link has been found between a person's view of their own ability and how others see their abilities, and could partially explain financial collapses and other disasters.

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