Most studies instead point to the importance of more general traits, like autonomy or a sense of competence (see, for example, the voluminous research literature on Self-Determination Theory for more on such findings).

CNN: Why 'follow your passion' is bad advice

Going forward, the only way Romney defeat the Gingrich-led insurgent challenge stripped him of his claim to inevitability once and for all is if he can stay on the offense, descend from his Ivory Tower and generate a sense of authenticity and competence with the electorate that he has been unable to achieve to date.

FORBES: Resurgent, But Not-Yet Inevitable

His book grows out of a sense that agency and competence are central to personal motivation at work.

FORBES: Can An Aristotelian Grease Monkey Fix Today's Workplace?

Yet he has a reputation for competence and common sense, and seven of the party's eight factions backed him.

ECONOMIST: Japan's new prime minister