Benefits and Drawbacks of Trait Competitiveness

Abstract

Abstract While evolutionary theory predicts that everyone has some degree of competitive inclination, there is ample evidence that, all else being equal, some people are just simply more highly competitive than others. High competitiveness is colloquially seen as a valuable trait for tasks such as sales, athletic performance, and entrepreneurship, as is low competitiveness for situations which require, or will benefit from, interpersonal or intergroup collaboration. However, the research on trait competitiveness suggests a more complex relationship between one’s level of the trait and actual performance than is often assumed. This chapter will review this research, along with the challenges associated with the measurement of competitiveness, the development of competitiveness in children, and cultural differences in trait competitiveness. The chapter will also examine the contribution of competitive inflexibility to a variety of social challenges.