Individuals are said to be collaborating when they
Multiple Choice
A have reciprocal faith in others’ intentions and behaviors.
B forge a sense of togetherness and unity.
C have ceased to be competitive with one another and prefer harmony.
D are sharing information and coordinating efforts to achieve a collective outcome.
The correct answer and explanation is :
The correct answer is:
D. are sharing information and coordinating efforts to achieve a collective outcome.
Explanation:
Collaboration is a critical concept in both professional and academic environments, and it goes beyond just working side by side or avoiding conflict. At its core, collaboration refers to a dynamic and purposeful process in which individuals or groups actively share information, resources, and responsibilities to reach a mutually beneficial and clearly defined goal.
Option D precisely defines collaboration: it emphasizes sharing information and coordinating efforts, which are essential characteristics. In collaborative situations, participants are not merely coexisting or being agreeable—they are engaging in deliberate communication, problem-solving, and teamwork. This could involve co-authoring a report, brainstorming ideas, or jointly managing a project. Each person brings unique skills, knowledge, and perspectives, and the group works interdependently to achieve a result that none of them could easily achieve alone.
Let’s now examine why the other options are not the best definitions of collaboration:
- A. “Have reciprocal faith in others’ intentions and behaviors” refers more to trust, which is certainly a component of effective collaboration but not a complete definition on its own. Trust is a prerequisite to collaboration but not collaboration itself.
- B. “Forge a sense of togetherness and unity” points to team cohesion or camaraderie. While emotional unity can enhance collaboration, it doesn’t automatically equate to the active exchange and coordination of efforts.
- C. “Have ceased to be competitive with one another and prefer harmony” speaks to conflict resolution or group harmony, which can reduce friction but doesn’t capture the action-oriented nature of collaboration.
In conclusion, collaboration is defined not by attitudes alone, but by behavioral actions like sharing information and synchronizing efforts to reach a common objective, making option D the most accurate answer.