Chapter 3: Two Faces of Excellence: Perfection versus Eminence

Expanding on self-regulation theory (Higgins, 1997, 1998), we propose a theory linking individual differences in prevention characteristics (e.g., conscientiousness) and promotion characteristics (e.g., openness to experience) with two types of performance criteria, perfection (e.g., error-free performance) and eminence (e.g., innovative, creative performance). We propose that prevention characteristics would be sufficient to predict perfection in performance, whereas both prevention promotion characteristics and their interactions will predict eminence in performance. This proposal suggests a new perspective on individual differences at work.