Collaboration can be seen in the classroom and workplace
with group projects - who does what part, is the work distributed evenly, etc.
Collaboration can be seen with governments, or even among friends and family.
The form of collaboration that is most relevant to this class right now is the
collaboration amongst organizations. Teaming up with a non-Greek student
organization to raise awareness about an issue, to celebrate the groups
collective heritage or religion, or to even reach out to a common group of interest
for recruitment purposes are common forms of collaboration. Then, pairing up
with other Greek organization to raise money for philanthropic purposes or to
do other Greek things such as Greek Week, Homecoming Week, and social events
are more often recognized forms of collaboration. While some of these
collaboration efforts come easier and run smoother than others, most are
generally one time collaborations.
Collaboration is challenging. It involves individuals to be
able to work together with a completely common goal and approach, which is
basically unrealistic. This is especially true when the individuals working
together barely know each other. Furthermore, forcing someone, or a group, into
collaboration can yield negative outcomes. For Greek Life, this can be seen
with non-participation in Greek Week and Homecoming Week. But also along with
that, the diversity of having 3-5 different groups with different views,
ideals, and even heritage, can be very positive if the individuals are willing
to work together. Then, even further, the competition associated with these
weeks can help get the groups to participate and work together. Although, is
this competition really a good thing? Do these groups collaborate once the
competition is over? Just some food for thought...
