Cooperation cultures at work
Teamwork is most productive, when all involved ‘pull together’, because they are motivated by a common purpose and a sense of belonging.
However, in the absence of genuine cooperation, negative cultures tend to establish themselves; relationships can stagnate and become defined by defensiveness, lack of trust, intolerance and aggression.
Negative cultures also produce distractions. Employees invest time and energy in ‘self-preservation’ rather than task-orientation.
In order to keep their ‘best people’, many organisations may feel increasingly obliged to offer perks, better conditions or better pay. However, productivity and morale always suffer, when office ‘cultures' aren’t in harmony with the motives of those doing the work.
In contrast, a business with a strong sense of cooperation is a satisfying place to work. Employees identify with their organization, because they understand the ideas behind the work they have been asked to do; and recognise the advantages of cooperating with one another.
Getting the job done together
When all else is equal, genuine co-operations produce growth and profitability, because they generate trust, optimism and goodwill.
Can any organisation shift its 'culture'? Certainly. Cooperation is about attitudes, which can be changed and skills, which can be learned.