Collaboration Theory- Reading

This is how I believe our team's progression from cooperation to collaboration (Kvan, 2000) took place.

COOPERATION

Informal relationships

Common goal

Minimal risk 

Rewards and resources are separate

I think we began as a cooperation up until our very first presentation. There was no risk involved in becoming part of the group. At this stage it definitely felt like any other group project with people you've never met. Usually once the project is completed each member goes their own way and there is no continuing relationship between the team. We did all share the same goal and purpose but we all worked separately. 

COORDINATION

Formal relationships

Compatible missions

Division of roles

Communication channels

Increased risk

Available resources, mutual rewards

After the first presentation is when I feel we began to have some coordination amongst the team. A team leader figure had begun to emerge and the formal delegation of tasks was taking place. We began communicating more outside of tutorial times and had started to share our ideas and progress with one another. 

COLLABORATION

Durable and passive relationships

Full commitment to common goal

Greater risk

High level trust

It was only after the team's first two presentations that we really reached a productive collaboration. We had all become comfortable with each other after the number of weeks working together. This made it much easier to communicate outside of tutorial times and to ask for help. The relationships had become sturdy and relaxed and so this made questioning certain things a team member might do, a much more casual thing without provoking defensiveness or them taking it personally. This was a great part of our group, we were able o offer our honest opinions to each other and be able to take feedback on board to enhance the end result. Early on we were all content with working alone but further on we realised the value in sharing, discussing and resolving problems together.