Social Comparison Dynamics in Workplace Envy
Summary
Workplace envy arises from social comparison processes through which employees evaluate their own abilities, resources or status against those of colleagues. Upward social comparisons—contrasting oneself with higher‐performing peers—can trigger either benign envy, motivating self‐improvement, or malicious envy, provoking undermining and counterproductive behaviours. Downward comparisons may bolster self‐esteem but can also foster complacency. The dynamics of envy are shaped by individual predispositions (for example, personality traits and self‐esteem), task contexts (competitive versus collaborative), and leadership practices. Envy in organisations has far‐reaching consequences, influencing performance, organisational citizenship, turnover intentions and psychological well‐being. Recent work emphasises the dual nature of envy, the pivotal role of leadership in reframing comparison processes and the importance of social support in mitigating negative outcomes. Practical interventions—such as promoting assimilative comparisons and fostering inclusive climates—have demonstrated efficacy in harnessing envy for constructive ends and curbing its harmful effects.
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Social Comparison Dynamics in Workplace Envy publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in social comparison dynamics in workplace envy across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Social comparison: The process of evaluating oneself against others in terms of abilities, achievements or status.
Assimilative social comparison: A form of comparison that inspires individuals to emulate the superior performance or traits of peers.
Benign envy: A motivational response characterised by admiration and the desire to improve one’s own standing without hostility.
Malicious envy: A hostile reaction to another’s advantage that can prompt undermining or harmful actions.
Social undermining: Behaviours intended to hinder a colleague’s success, reputation or relationships.
Interpersonal rumination: Repetitive, negative thinking focused on social interactions or conflicts in the workplace.
References
- Leadership shaping social comparison to improve performance: A field experiment. The Leadership Quarterly (2023).
- The antecedents and consequences of workplace envy: A meta-analytic review. Asia Pacific Journal of Management (2021).
- Social Undermining and Interpersonal Rumination among Employees: The Mediating Role of Being the Subject of Envy and the Moderating Role of Social Support. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (2022).
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