The 3 differences between competition and competitiveness

These concepts used in the business world are often confused. Let's look at their differences.

Today's society is characterized by being highly competitive, and it is common for each and every citizen to be required to have a high level of competence in different areas, domains and fields.

This is something very present in our daily lives, and both competence and competitiveness are often linked and go hand in hand, especially in the workplace, which is why they are sometimes confused with each other. However, in reality they are different concepts that refer to different constructs. That is why, in order to clarify the difference between them, in this article we will see what the differences are between competition and competitiveness..

Competitiveness and competition: a general definition

In order to clarify the main differences between competition and competitiveness, it may be interesting to first establish a general definition of each of these two concepts.

Competitiveness is defined as the type of interpersonal type of interpersonal relationship that is established between two or more people or groups in order to obtain an end or meet a given objective, in order to or to meet a given objective, in which at least one of the parties aims to be better or obtain better results than its competitors.

The competitive person aims to be the first or the best at something, in a constant comparison with the performance of others, and they usually seek success and the benefits of being ahead of others, either by striving to surpass the capabilities of competitors or by reducing the competition in other ways.

With regard to competition, this is understood as the ability to perform, progress, and master a skill. It is the development and acquisition of expertise in something, often obtained through effort and repeated practice. A competent person is one who is able to cope with the task at hand with great efficiency. On the other hand, the term competition also has among its meanings that of dispute or confrontation with others for the same objective.

The main differences between competition and competitiveness

Competitiveness and competition are concepts that are often closely linked in the world of business and economics.. Both require a great effort on the part of the individual and often appear together: in general, to be competitive it is necessary to have a minimum of competence, while it is often possible to improve one's competence in a task by competing with others.

But as we have already mentioned, and as can be extrapolated from their different definitions, both concepts have some key differences, both concepts have some key differences that distinguish them from each other.. Among them, some of the main differences are the following.

1. Focus on the task vs. on others

One of the most marked differences between competitiveness and competence can be found in the person's object of focus.

Competitiveness involves focusing on what others are doing and comparing one's own performance with respect to them. It looks at the position we have in relation to others.

Competence, on the other hand, focuses more on the task to be undertaken, with performance in the activity being the main focus.The performance in the activity is what will mark the level of competence.

2. Different objectives

The objective of competition and competitiveness is also different.

The objective of the competition is mainly the approach to the proposed goal or objectives, seeking only to do the task efficiently and in any case to improve one's own ability.In the case of competition, the aim is to be above or superior to the rest, regardless of the individual's performance or level of competence.

In the case of competitiveness, what is sought is to be above or superior to the rest, regardless of the performance or level of individual competence. In other words, it is a desire to surpass what others are doing.

3. Point of view

The concepts of competition and competitiveness can both refer to the existence of a situation of conflict between individuals or groups, but they do so from different positions. they do so from different positions.

Competitiveness refers to the attitude or way of acting that a person takes with respect to those he or she considers his or her rivals. Thus, it is a concept that focuses on an individual elementThe rest of the parties involved in a competitive context are left aside.

Competition, when understood in the sense of conflict or dispute, refers to the situation or the existence of "others" with whom to compete, rather than to the attitude taken towards it. Therefore, it describes a general context in which there is a describes a general context in which there are many agents interacting with each other, and does not focus on an individual.and does not focus on an individual (be it a person or a company).