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==External Links==
 
==External Links==
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===References to GTC===
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* [http://www.children.smartlibrary.org/NewInterface/segment.cfm?segment=2518 Review of Research Finds that Theories of Collaboration are Incomplete] ' A review of research finds 6 distinct explanations for collaborative alliances...'
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* [http://www.children.smartlibrary.org/NewInterface/segment.cfm?segment=2519 Improving Collaboration Theory Means Answering Several Important Questions] ' A review of research finds unanswered questions that any general theory of collaborative alliances must be able to address...'
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[http://www.asc-cybernetics.org/2001/Umpleby.htm Two Kinds of General Theories in Systems Science] - an article discussing the merits of ''different kinds of general theories'' within the systems science domain.
 
[http://www.asc-cybernetics.org/2001/Umpleby.htm Two Kinds of General Theories in Systems Science] - an article discussing the merits of ''different kinds of general theories'' within the systems science domain.
   

Revision as of 06:47, 8 October 2005

General Theories

By explaining more phenomenon, with increased economy, a general theory provides more scientific power. For example, General Theory of Reletivity, General Systems Theory etc.

General Theory of Collaboration

Existing General Theories of Collaboration

Currently there exists no consolidated, general theory of collaboration (GTC). Such a theory could provide a common language and framework for those seeking to better understand and expand the collaborative aspects of any given field of human endevour. Additionally, a GTC would provide a body of knowldedge for those developing collaborative software and other design based enterprises to draw on.

There are very few references to a general theories of collabortion online (see #External Links below]]

Being a social animal, (i.e. our life and culture is organised around living in groups with other humans), the human being's behavior, is per definition a way of collaboration - that is, according to the standard dictionary definition 'working together with one or more in order to achieve a common goal'. From this perspective, collaboration is a naturally occuring phenomenon, embedded in our DNA.

So, for a general theory we could turn our head to biology. It is all natural (sexual) selection and survival of the fittest, would Darwin argue. Collaboration must have evolved as a evolutionary advantage over other forms. There is somewhere a benifit in collaboration.

The real question, however is, to find similarities and differences in the nature, methods and motivations of collaboration across any and every field of human endeavour. The answer to that not too modest question depends on what exactly is meant by endeavour.

Suppose endeavour is understood as any economic activity, then economics learns us, that:

  • the nature of collaboration is either market transactions or decision making in a hierarchy to coordinate the allocation of scarce resources in production, distribution of income and finally consumption
  • the methods of collaboration are clearing of markets trough price adjustments on the one hand and control of information on the other hand performed by rational acting agents
  • the motivation of collaboration is pursuit of self interest

This line of thought originates in Adam Smith's 18th work "An inquiry in the causes and nature of the wealth of nations", and all subsequent classical and neo-classical economics.

The same can be stated on a more abstract level, which will learn you that all is required is a definition of property rights, or who might own what (not necessarily private property), definition of transaction authority, or who might decide what will happen to the property and ultimately a definition of the method of contract enforcement.

Maybe someone can define a field of human endeavour that is not an economic activity. However, probably some economist might have studied exactly that field of human endeavour as an economic activity.

On a more practical level, let us examine collaboration of a small group of people on a specific time in a specific place. Social psychology will learn you quite a few interesting things of what will happen, group dynamics, including game theory. If you aren't comfortable with that area of study, follow a series of Big Brother broadcasts. A nail that sticks out get hammered down.

Social Network Theory

External Links

References to GTC

Two Kinds of General Theories in Systems Science - an article discussing the merits of different kinds of general theories within the systems science domain.