More than a quarter of managers and staff deceive themselves about skills and attitudes, according to a new study.

The research by testing organisation Life Orientations Ltd (LIFO) also found that a further 20% staff and managers were completely oblivious to their weaknesses.

LIFO said its conclusions came from 1,100 tests and assessments conducted over the past year.

"There are highly influential people in UK businesses who are being self-deceptive because they are unaware of their failings, or simply living a lie and avoiding situations in which they'll be challenged or tested because they know themselves so well," said LIFO UK Managing Director Bridget Biggar.

"In many cases the situation has arisen because their seniors have accepted CV's or 'by-the-book' interview responses at face value, failed to drive through a structured testing and assessment process and caused weaknesses to be built in to their management and passed on to staff."

LIFO said its work showed that people with massive ability often have no commitment or drive.

"A successful individual is the product of a complex cocktail of self-awareness and capability, personality - and the culture and influence of those people working with him or her," said Ms Biggar.

"The most public illustration is perhaps in sport: a player may struggle in one team and excel in another. For instance, Eric Cantona failed to live up to his promise at Leeds United, but shone for Manchester United."