The size of their paycheques isn't the sole motivation for men who also consider besting their colleagues as a key measure of the reward, according to a new study published in the journal Science.
Researchers from the University of Bonn say the study, released Friday, challenges previous research that suggests people are motivated most by the amount of a reward.
"This result clearly contradicts traditional economic theory," said Armin Falk, a professor of economics, in a release.
"The theory assumes that the only important factor is the absolute size of the reward. The comparison with other people's rewards shouldn't really play any role in economic motivation."
Researchers monitored the brain activity of 38 men while they performed a task in return for payment ranging from 30 to 120 euros. Participants were also told how their partners performed in the test and how much they would earn as a result.
Activity in the brain's reward centre was observed when participants performed the task well. Even stronger activity was recorded in players who outperformed their partners, the study found.
"Men, at least, do appear to draw a great deal of their motivation from competition," said researcher Bernd Weber.
The researchers plan to conduct followup studies including women and Asian participants to explore how culture affects competition.
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