collaborative cooperation

gistfile1.txt

collaboration:

n numbers of entities working to achieve a defined goal (scope of detail = various) and working within differing operational/systematic constraints, some overlap or integration may exist.  The results of work are thus assembled by each party and/or in a singular, for-purpose manner.  The entities can be temporary and varying, come and go, as well as longterm participants in the goal.
Implies entities with independent, disparate control structures.

cooperation:

n number of entities working to achieve a defined goal (scope of detail = various) and with working within the same or co-dependent/related operational/systematic/control constraints.  The work is carried out in a cooperative manner between the entities within the shared operational/control constraints to achieve the desired goal.  The results of the work invariable become a part of the operational/systematic constraints of the entities in some form or manner and there is usually some longterm ownership among the entities.
Implies a level of continuous, shared control and/or operational structures between the entities.

Niether are mutually exclusion, it is possible to collaborate in cooperation.

That is 180 words freeform without looking at definitions, this is an additional 20 or so to achieve the desired goal.  I could freeform something else, but this is more fun.

However, this is a fine example of collaboration and cooperation, as I have collaborated with you to continue this meme and I have cooperated by ensuring that my freeform answer was => 200.

Perhaps the goal is both on all levels - collaborate (creative) - cooperate (mutual respect and desire to achieve a common creative goal) .. oh that freeform, stop me :)

269 freeform words.

I like the @kartar answer better ;)

"Collaboration is the philosophy of active interaction with others. Cooperation is a structure for harmonious interaction."

In slightly longer form (albeit only 59 words):

Collaboration provides the philosophy and techniques for active interaction between groups and individuals. It provides ways of working for people that promote shared authority, highlight individual abilities and respect for individual contributions. Cooperation is a set of processes that help people work together to achieve a specific objective. It is direct, hands-on, interactive and feedback-driven.

Excellent work guys!

From a quote in Etsy's annual review tool, written by myself:

Collaboration is not about agreement. It is about creation. As Michael Schrage puts it in his book, Shared Minds:

"...collaboration is the process of shared creation: two or more individuals with complementary skills interacting to create a shared understanding that none had previously possessed or could have come to on their own. Collaboration creates a shared meaning about a process, a product, or an event. In this sense, there is nothing routine about it. Something is there that wasn't there before."

I like the original better.

"Collaboration is the philosophy of active interaction with others. Cooperation is a structure for harmonious interaction."