Collaboration is a cooperation in which individuals are not necessarily bound contractually. Collaboration is a business concept and strategy that brings together individuals of different ideologies, backgrounds and competencies to work together in achieving organisational goals. In collaboration, they work decisively and intentionally to solve problems and resolve issues. It is usually a win-win situation for everybody.
It is also very important to note
that organisations don’t collaborate, individuals do. Organisations sign
partnerships. Organisational partnerships can create a platform for individuals
between different organisations to collaborate in order to live up to the terms
of the partnership.
Collaboration and partnership are closely related but they are different from each other. In a partnership, organisations undergo a contractual process of negotiations; specifying of joint rights and responsibilities, equal share of risks and rewards and what documents to share between each other. Collaboration is the breeding ground for future successes in the organisation.
Collaboration isn’t just for
people of the same level or rank within an organisation, management can
collaborate with junior employees of the organisation to achieve set
objectives. The best way to actually achieve employee loyalty is through
collaboration, it gives employees a great sense of belonging and ownership of
the business.
Collaboration doesn’t always
guarantee success, but it sure feels good putting your heads together instead
of knocking them. Collaboration is beneficial to an organisation because;
- 1. The process is open, inclusive, transparent, accessible and tailored to local needs
- 2. Meetings are usually civil and safe. No bullies are allowed
- 3. Deliberations are usually thoughtful, frank and never in a rush
- 4. Commitments are honoured and trust is usually built on this confidence
- 5. It’s a team effort, so everyone share in the wins and losses
There are several reasons why organisations
must collaborate, some of them include;
- 1. Collaboration provides an opportunity to bridge traditional divides within the organisation
- 2. There is a track record of organisations that have been better managed as a result of collaboration
- 3. It’s one of the ways of assuring public access to management decisions
- 4. It assures even growth and development of the organisation
Organisations that must thrive in the face of external competitions must encourage their employees to work collaboratively with each other. Management should avoid pitching employees against each other, they should create a platform that will cause collaboration to thrive. Squash the competition, collaborate instead.
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