What are co-operation and competition? Discuss the effects of co-operation and competition.

Groups may be co-operative or competitive. Technically, the behaviour that yields maximal joint profit for all the parties involved is called co-operation. The behaviour that yields maximal relative gain is labelled competition.

• Co-operative goals are those, which are defined in such a way that each individual can attain the goal if other members are also attaining their goals. There is interdependence in goal attainment.

It is working together to attain the shared goals.

• Co-operative goals increase interpersonal relations among the members as they progress towards the goal.

• In co-operative groups, victory belongs to each member because of group affiliation.

• Co-operation leads to harmony, sacrifice and positive emotions.

• In co-operative groups, people communicate and develop cohesiveness.

• Competitive goals involve situations where all goals are defined in such a manner that there is only one winner and others are looser.

• Competition among individual members tend to produce disharmony and conflict that threatens the organization of group.

• Competition leads to distinct and poor interpersonal relations which cause hostility and rivalry.

• In competition, individual works to attain the goal for himself.

• Competitive group leads to lack of communication or miscommunication towards out-group.

Effects of Co-orperation:

• Goal achievement becomes easy.

• Interpersonal relations get strengthened.

• Cohesiveness rises in the group.

• Group-members become ready to work for others.

• Willingness to accept other's divergent view-point.

Effects of Competition:

• Distance and disharmony increase in the group because of lack of communication.

• Cohesiveness within a group develops but rivalry increases with the out-group.

• Healthy competition in a conducive environment increases efficiency and sharpens the rate of growth and development.

Determinants of Co-operation and Competition:

1. Reward Structure: In co-operation, reward structure is such that there is promotive interdependence, i.e., each member is beneficiary and reward is possible only if all contribute.

In competition reward structure is one in which one can get a reward only if others do not get it.

2. Interpersonal Communication: Co-operation leads to communication which facilitate interaction and discussion.

3. Reciprocity: It means people feeling obliged to return what they get. Initial cooperation leads to more co-operation whereas competition provokes more competition.