Collaboration at Work: An Integrative Multilevel Conceptualization

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

6-2012

Keywords

Collaboration, Teamwork, Coordination, Cooperation Teams, Collaborative performance, Collaborative behavior

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hrmr.2011.11.007

Abstract

The term collaboration has been used throughout a variety of research disciplines to describe multiple types of interaction; yet, a unified, comprehensive definition of the construct remains elusive. This lack of clarity regarding the distinctions and commonalities between collaboration and other interaction concepts has resulted in conceptual confusion that affects practice and research in human resource management. Practitioners see collaboration as more of a buzzword than as an effective human resource strategy. Previous theory development efforts have not yet taken a comprehensive multidisciplinary approach. This has resulted in failure to integrate key themes across disciplines into an overall view of collaboration, which is a commonplace practice in business and military sectors alike. This paper describes a multidisciplinary conceptualization of collaboration and discusses the implications of this integrative theory to human resource management and strategy development as well as future research efforts.

Was this content written or created while at USF?

No

Citation / Publisher Attribution

Human Resource Management Review, v. 22, issue 2, p. 128-145

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