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Some ideas are quite liberating and foster in us the kind of mindset and behavior that supports the world of open science we want. I had an opportunity recently to reflect on one such idea, “the Fetish of Competition” which was recently discussed at the UNESCO Chairs Network meeting. The "fetish of competition" refers to a cultural belief that competition is the best or only way to achieve success, and that winning is more important than anything else, including fairness, cooperation, and mutual benefit. The term "fetish of competition" was popularized by Alfie Kohn, https://www.alfiekohn.org/ in his book, "No Contest: The Case Against Competition."In it Kohn argues that the fetishization of competition is deeply embedded in Western culture, and that this fetish can have negative consequences for individuals and society as a whole. He suggests that a more collaborative and compassionate approach is more effective in achieving common goals.  

As one interested in the pursuit of global goals, Cohen's work not only supports the idea of collaboration to advance goals, but points out aspects of our culture in the scientific and educational community that serves as a key barrier to collaboration on the important issues of our time.  

Overcoming the cultural bias related to the "fetish of competition" requires a fundamental shift in one's beliefs and socio-economic values. One can argue that it is important to be aware of how this bias is reinforced by cultural practices such as commercial competitive arrangements, awards and recognition efforts in the scientific community, and judgements of the quality of credentials of “others.” For me his idea raise a number of important questions including: 

How do our cultural bias toward competition influence our thoughts about collaboration and relationships? 

Does winning at "x" trump cooperation and fairness to achieve, important societal or global goals? 

In our efforts to advance open science, should we also consider better ways to celebrate and recognize collective achievement? Would doing so advance our sense of the “scientific community,” knowledge sharing, and shared purpose? 

What are your thoughts and questions on this subject? 

Recommended Reading - Alfie Kohen’s No Contest: The Case Against Competition, Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1986 / 1992.