Definition
Jealousy is the fear or anxiety of losing something one already possesses (such as a relationship, status, or position) to a rival.
- How to read: “Jealousy.”
- Meaning: The drive to protect what you have from others.
Why It Matters
Jealousy is a foundational biological drive for protection and self-preservation, but in a modern organizational context, it can lead to hoarding information, territoriality, and the destruction of trust.
Core Concepts
- Protective Drive: Unlike envy (which wants what others have), jealousy is focused on guarding what you already have.
- Relational Insecurity: Often arises from a perceived threat to a valuable bond or a “Circle of Competence.”
- Institutional Friction: In companies, “departmental jealousy” leads to siloed information and the failure of cross-functional cooperation.