COOPERATION IN ORGANIZATIONS

Cooperation in organizations is considered to be influenced by personal (e. g., individualistic, competitive, cooperative, and altruistic values) and structural variables (e.g., intergroup rivalry). The positive impact of variables like cooperative norms, trust, compatibility of interests and the use of the tit-for-tat strategy on cooperative behavior is emphasized. In addition, the negative impact of intergroup conflict between departments in an organization is stressed and contrasted with inter-departmental cooperation. In general, the idea is stressed that the realization of specific dimensions of personal and structural variables is decisive for the implementation of cooperative group structures. For example, the realization of loosely-linked networks fosters the development of teamwork while more global approaches which focus on the creation of a cooperative atmosphere are deemed unsuccessful.