What is collaborative work?

Teamwork is usually a way of working that gives good results to different companies and organizations, and that is why it is encouraged; but if this is oriented even more towards the concept of collaborative work, to a collaborative environment, the steps towards achieving the objectives that have been set are better directed.

The advantages of collaborative work show that it is the team, but among all and not separately, who contribute ideas, knowledge and experiences to produce, among all, new knowledge and with this, in addition, creativity and innovation are encouraged. This, on their own or each one working on their own without connecting as in a team work, would not have been generated. Let us now review the elements and rules for working effectively in a collaborative way, and the importance of this competence when working.

Characteristics of collaborative work

But, what are, specifically, the characteristics of a collaborative group and how does it act in a business context? There are several, here are some of the characteristics of collaborative work:

Horizontal leadership. There does not necessarily have to be no leader, but there tends to be more collaborative work when there is a leadership style that does not have a very strict hierarchy.

• Voluntary and synergic collaboration. Here a group comes together to produce a synergy of the knowledge and efforts of the members of that team, on a voluntary basis and generally of people who share passions or knowledge.
• Common objectives and goals. There must be common goals to achieve. If there are not, one of the maxims of collaborative work, which also serves as a guide for the group, does not exist.
• Positive interdependence. Basically, it is to understand that personal work has repercussions on the other, because the work of one person in the team is strictly linked to the work of the others. It has to do with a deep sense of individual responsibility that has repercussions on the work in common.
• Being individually responsible. Although everyone needs everyone, it is very important to know that individual work is crucial for the common goal to be achieved. It is to take charge of a task, without delegating it and fulfilling it to the fullest, because this, in turn, has an impact on everyone.
• Open and fluid communication. Ideas, information, content and even opinions are communicated constantly and openly so that collaborative work can take place in a team.
• Collective project. Unlike other formations and dynamics, here a group feeling is not generated, but a sense of belonging to a collective project that does unite them.

Differences between teamwork and collaborative work

What is teamwork and collaborative work? Sometimes they can be terms that are confused, but they are not the same. If in a team, tasks are distributed equally, each team member has a parceled knowledge of the information. When we talk about collaborative work, tasks are assigned under the principle of equity, not equality, i.e., each member performs according to his or her skills and knowledge.

This also implies that the participants share knowledge to reach a common goal, which is not the same in teamwork, because although the members contribute from their position and support each other, knowledge is not necessarily shared because it is seen in a parceled way.

Why is collaborative work important in companies?

Collaborative work will always be a benefit for a work group, in particular, and for a company, in general. Each member knows that he/she is not alone in his/her task: all members of the group are the ones “rowing” towards the same goal.

Moreover, communication, being open and fluid, is shared and enriches everyone, while at the same time pushing each individual to give his or her best in pursuit of these common goals. This, therefore, allows for organizational growth and to achieve the best possible results in that organization.

Advantages of collaborative work

There are several advantages associated with the application of collaborative work in a group, such as:

• It helps to improve the work environment
• Problem solving is enriched by having different points of view.
• Encourages innovation
• Improves communication by making it open and fluid.
• Increases productivity
• Promotes team commitment and sense of belonging.

How to implement collaborative work in your company?

Companies, if they want to implement collaborative work, must encourage it. And to do so, a collaborative dynamic must be put into practice to achieve it. This can take the form of certain methods or strategies, such as:

• The physical environment. The spaces where ideas and conversations take place have an influence if we want to reach port. That is why it is recommended that companies have spaces designed for groups to meet in places that are conducive to meeting, conversation and that are not too formal, in order to be able to connect with each other.
• Corporate culture. Organizations are different from one another, and each has its own organizational culture. But if collaboration is to be promoted, the company must make it a priority. This implies that company members feel confident, safe and free to collaborate and give their views on work, for example, within the specific group they are part of. If a company does not have this approach, it is necessary to promote a change in the culture of that organization so that collaborative work can take place.
• Digitalization. Today, there are many tools available to make use of and generate digital environments. This includes communication channels and shared digital spaces that promote digital collaboration; this also enables people who are not in the same physical place, and anywhere in the world, to interact collaboratively.

How to improve collaborative work

There are no magic formulas, but we can certainly find ways to continuously improve collaborative work in a company.

For example, members should feel confident to share ideas in the group; make use of project management tools; identify people’s strengths to get the best out of them; develop a sense of belonging to the team; ensure that there are face-to-face, hybrid and remote employees; always define clear objectives to focus on the common goal that ultimately unites the group; never stop motivating the team, among many others.

As we said at the beginning: teamwork is something that most organizations need and seek, but if this is oriented towards collaborative work, the result will lead to good dividends. A team that does not connect is not the same as one that does, one that works individually to one that is able to go after common goals, all together. The results are different, both for the company and its employees, and certainly better with collaborative environments. And that is an asset that is now valued by the vast majority of organizations.

If you want to know more and get help to implement collaborative work, do not hesitate to contact us.