Intra-Team Rivalry on Performance Teams: An Investigation into Individual and Team Performance and Employee Deviance

Abstract

Most studies on rivalry analyze the phenomenon where rivals are on opposing sides in two settings: sport teams and organizations. The rivalry literature is expanding to study the effects of the coach or manager on a team as/if they create an environment marked by rivalry. Study 1 adds to the emerging literature on rivalry by examining team member behaviors, including individual and team performance, if rivalry develops within team (i.e., intra-team rivalry). Study 1 surveyed 311 collegiate students recalling in detail an athletic team experience from high school. Findings indicate intra-team rivalry was positively related to individual and team performance, as well as, individual deviance. A significant, indirect effect of intra-team rivalry on individual performance - mediated by social comparison - was also found. Study 1 extends existing research on social comparison theory (e.g., team level), individual and team performance; and team member deviance. Additionally, future research implications are discussed.