Competitiveness and Stress

40 Pages Posted: 18 Jan 2016

See all articles by Songfa Zhong

Songfa Zhong

National University of Singapore (NUS) - Department of Economics

Idan Shalev

Pennsylvania State University

David Koh

National University of Singapore (NUS)

Richard P. Ebstein

Southwestern University of Finance and Economics (SWUFE) - China Center for Behavior Economics and Finance

Soo Hong Chew

Southwestern University of Finance and Economics; National University of Singapore

Date Written: January 18, 2016

Abstract

This study explores the relationship between competitiveness and stress. In Experiment 1, we examine the response of cortisol, the primary stress hormone, during both piece-rate and tournament tasks. We find that the more competitive tournament task induces a higher cortisol response than the less competitive piece-rate task. Moreover, more competitively inclined subjects exhibit higher stress responses induced by the tasks. In Experiment 2, we manipulate stress using the Trier Social Stress Test and find that induced stress does not significantly affect competitiveness. Taken together, our findings suggest a tendency for people who are competitively disposed to have high stress response.

Keywords: C91, D44, D83

JEL Classification: competitiveness, tournament, piece rate, stress, hormone, cortisol, experiment

Suggested Citation

Zhong, Songfa and Shalev, Idan and Koh, David and Ebstein, Richard P. and Chew, Soo Hong, Competitiveness and Stress (January 18, 2016). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2717459 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2717459

Songfa Zhong (Contact Author)

National University of Singapore (NUS) - Department of Economics ( email )

1 Arts Link, AS2 #06-02
Singapore 117570, Singapore 119077
Singapore

Idan Shalev

Pennsylvania State University ( email )

University Park
State College, PA 16802
United States

David Koh

National University of Singapore (NUS) ( email )

1E Kent Ridge Road
NUHS Tower Block Level 7
Singapore, 119228
Singapore

Richard P. Ebstein

Southwestern University of Finance and Economics (SWUFE) - China Center for Behavior Economics and Finance ( email )

Liutai Road 555
Wenjiang
China

Soo Hong Chew

Southwestern University of Finance and Economics ( email )

Hong Yuan Building
Chengdu, Sichuan 631000
China

National University of Singapore ( email )

Mochtar Riady Building
15 Kent Ridge Drive
Singapore, 119245
Singapore

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