Research Article

Envy and positional bias in the evolutionary psychology of management

  1. Sarah E. Hill*,
  2. David M. Buss

Article first published online: 27 MAR 2006

DOI: 10.1002/mde.1288

Issue

Managerial and Decision Economics

Managerial and Decision Economics

Volume 27, Issue 2-3, pages 131–143, March - May 2006

Additional Information

How to Cite

Hill, S. E. and Buss, D. M. (2006), Envy and positional bias in the evolutionary psychology of management. Manage. Decis. Econ., 27: 131–143. doi: 10.1002/mde.1288

Author Information

  1. University of Texas, Austin, USA

*Department of Psychology, University of Texas at Austin, 1 University Station A8000, Austin, TX 78712, USA

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 27 MAR 2006
  2. Article first published online: 27 MAR 2006

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Abstract

We propose that humans have evolved at least two specialized cognitive adaptations shaped by selection to solve problems associated with resource competition: (1) a positional bias by which individuals judge success in domains that affect fitness in terms of standing relative to their reference group; and (2) envy, an emotion that functions to alert individuals to fitness-relevant advantages enjoyed by rivals and to motivate individuals to acquire those same advantages. We present new data supporting the existence of design features of these hypothesized psychological adaptations and discuss implications for economists, organizations, marketers, and managers. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

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