unlike adam smith, however, some critics of capitalism repudiate competition as an ideal, arguing that it is neither beneficial in general nor desirable itself. they point to empirical studies establishing that in business there is frequently a negative correlation between performance and individual competitiveness. in other words, it is often cooperation, rather than competitiveness, that best enhances both individual and group achievement. according to alfie kohn, the reason is simple: ''trying to do well and trying to beat others are two different things. competition is an extrinsic motivator; not only does it not produce the kinds of results that flow from enjoying the activity itself, but also the use of extrinsic motivators can undermine intrinsic motivation and thus adversely affect performance in the long run. the unpleasantness of competition can also diminish people's performance.