You're absolutely correct, but I'll answer your question: > Why hire such an person if there's a good chance he'll do some damage to your company while you att

You're absolutely correct, but I'll answer your question: > Why hire such an person if there's a good chance he'll do some damage to your company while you attempt to deprogram him, during which he'll be much less productive that someone from a less damaged company. Hire such a person if you happen to be hiring for a dysfunctional company. They've got the experience, and they'll appear productive immediately. So then the "black mark" on the resume only becomes a hindrance if after, say, 10 years a person finally decides to break out. It's still possible, but it will take a lot more work.