Interdependence-Based Model of Consistency among Competition, Cooperation and Collaboration

Abstract

Research background and hypothesis. Social interdependence is evident in everyday human life situations; sports industry is based on it as well. Athletes often compete for higher achievements; however, a possibility for cooperation can be envisioned in competitions as well. The research problem is as follows: is it possible to harmonize social interrelations which manifest in competition, cooperation and collaboration at the same time, and how this consistency can be achieved. The research aim was to elaborate the conceptual model of consistency among competition, cooperation and collaboration based on the premise of social interdependence. Research methods were theoretical analysis and synthesis. The results of theoretical analysis were generalized and incorporated into the conceptual model. Discussion and conclusions. Scientific literature suggested a few insights. First, social interaction may occur at two levels: intra-group (group level) and inter-group (community level). Second, the nature of social interdependence depends on the level of goals being achieved; three levels of goals can be distinguished: individual goals, group goals, and community goals. Third, based on the type of the interaction and the level of goals, individuals tend to engage into a particular form of interrelation: competition, cooperation, or collaboration; moreover, the form of interdependence is not restricted – a combination of a few (or even all) forms is possible. Based on scientific literature, an implication can be made that interrelation among competition, cooperation, or collaboration can result in coopetition as a higher form of interdependence. Keywords: coopetition, social interaction, social interrelations.