(1) Competition is a culturally Patterned Process: It is present to some degree in all societies but it differs greatly from society to society. The fiercely competitive Kwakiutl society (a tribe of North America) and the relatively non-competitive Zuni (a pubelo Indian group of New Mexico) society offer an example of a striking contrast. American society though competitive, yet this competition is sharply limited.

(2) Competition is Impersonal: Impersonal means, the competition is usually not directed against any individual or group in particular. Competition may be personal when the competitors know one another but generally its nature is impersonal.

(3) Competition is Unconscious: Competition takes place on the unconscious level. Competitors at many times are not aware about other competitors and even if they are aware, they do not pay any heed to the activities of their competitors. Candidates, appearing for IAS or any other competitive examination, do not know one another and their whole attention is focused on their studies (reward or goal) rather than on competitors.

(4) Competition is Universal: Competition, though an important characteristic feature of modem society, is found in all societies primitive, traditional, modem or in pre-historic eras and in every age.

(5) Competition is Continuous: It is a never ending process. It goes on consciously or unconsciously all the time. It is unstable and frequently yields either to co-operation or to conflict.

(6) Competition is restrained: It implies that there are rules of the game to which all competitors must follow. When the competitors break the rules or when it turns into cut-throat competition (unrestricted), the situation transforms into conflict.

(7) Competition Is For Scarce Goods (Rewards): If the object of competition is in abundance (unlimited) quantity or sufficient in supply, there would be no competition. There is no competition for sunshine and air, which are unlimited.