Abstract :
To develop a foundational understanding of collaboration, it is useful to think of it in terms of goals. Collaboration means joint effort toward a group goal. Group goals, however, are different than the internal goals of group members. For example, an automobile designer who wants international acclaim may collaborate with a machinist who wants financial security and an entrepreneur who wants to found and sell a company to build a fine custom sports car. It is important to note that none of them wants a car. Indeed, none can get what they want until they get rid of the car they have agreed to build. Thus, group members agree to work toward common goals, but only in service of their individual internal goals.
