Title
The Perverse Effects of Competition on Scientists’ Work and Relationships
Publication Date
11-21-2007
Abstract
Competition among scientists for funding, positions and prestige, among other things, is often seen as a salutary driving force in U.S. science. Its effects on scientists, their work and their relationships are seldom considered. Focus-group discussions with 51 mid- and early-career scientists, on which this study is based, reveal a dark side of competition in science. According to these scientists, competition contributes to strategic game-playing in science, a decline in free and open sharing of information and methods, sabotage of others’ ability to use one’s work, interference with peer-review processes, deformation of relationships, and careless or questionable research conduct. When competition is pervasive, such effects may jeopardize the progress, efficiency and integrity of science.
Recommended Citation
Anderson, M. S., Ronning, E. A., Vries, R. D., & Martinson, B. C. (2007). The perverse effects of competition on scientists work and relationships. Science and Engineering Ethics, 13(4), 437-461.
Topic
Social Dimensions of Ethical Behavior
Material Type
Journal Article
Research Area
Life Sciences | Medicine and Health Sciences | Physical Sciences and Mathematics | Social and Behavioral Sciences
Acknowledgement and Disclaimer
With kind permission from Springer Science+Business Media: Science and Engineering Ethics, cThe Perverse Effects of Competition on Scientists’ Work and Relationships, 13, 2007, 437-461, Melissa S. Anderson et al.
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