An Examination of Intra-Team Rivalry Effects on Individual/Team Performance, and Team Member Deviance

Abstract

Most studies on rivalry analyze the phenomenon where participants are on opposing sides in business organizations or sports teams (i.e., inter-team rivalry). Currently, the rivalry literature is expanding to examine the effects of rivalry among team members if a manager or coach creates an environment marked by intra-team rivalry. Study 1 examined team member behaviors and individual and team performance within teams (i.e., intra-team rivalry) by having 311 collegiate students recall their experiences participating on a high school athletic team. Findings indicated that intra-team rivalry was positively related to individual performance and team performance. Social comparison mediated the positive relationship between intra-team rivalry and individual performance. In Study 2 adjustments to the research model allowed further exploration of team performance and intra-team rivalry. Study 2 surveyed 240 current collegiate student athletes twice examining the same hypotheses at the 1) individual level, and 2) team level via data aggregation. Findings consistent with both surveys indicated that social comparison was positively related to intra-team rivalry; intra-team rivalry was positively related to individual deviance; and both individual performance, and motivation were positively related to team performance. Unique to Survey 1, intra-team rivalry was positively related to motivation. Unique to Survey 2, negative relationship between individual deviance and team performance. Implications for team members, leaders, and organizations are compelling.