Rivalry

Definition: *Rivalry* refers to a competitive relationship between individuals, groups, or institutions who seek to outperform or surpass each other in a shared domain of interest, such as status, recognition, influence, or achievement.

• Involves comparison, competition, and often conflict.
• Can be constructive (driving innovation and excellence) or destructive (breeding hostility, sabotage, or unethical behavior).
• Often rooted in perceived scarcity of rewards (e.g., leadership roles, funding, prestige).
• May be personal, institutional, academic, or professional.

• Academic rivalry: Between researchers, departments, or universities competing for publications, grants, or rankings.
• Professional rivalry: Among colleagues or specialists within the same field.
• Institutional rivalry: Between hospitals, research centers, or medical schools.
• Historical rivalry: Sustained over time, sometimes becoming symbolic or cultural.

• Competition
• Ambition
• Ego
• Envy
• Conflict

• Rivalry between neurosurgical units can stimulate advancements in patient care and research, but if left unchecked, may erode collaboration, transparency, and shared learning.