Trait competitiveness as a composite variable: Linkages with facets of the big-five

We investigated the link between competitiveness and the facets of a comprehensive broad-bandwidth personality inventory. Conceptualizing trait competitiveness as a composite variable identified by two indicators, structural equation modeling was used to identify relationships between the 30 facets of the IPIP scales corresponding to the NEO-PI-R and trait competitiveness. Nine facets were related to trait competitiveness. Four of these nine (excitement-seeking, morality/straightforwardness, modesty, and sympathy/tender-mindedness) were uniquely related to trait competitiveness from a final model. Results suggest that facets within factors need not be related to a composite trait in the same direction, as two affiliative facets of extraversion were negatively related to trait competitiveness while two surgency facets of extraversion were positively associated with trait competitiveness.