From competition to collaboration: new trends are improving the world around us.

Aggressive and confrontational behavior, both in business and in everyday life, often backfires, and strategies based on such concepts simply cease to be effective. And the main change has occurred within people. The visits to psychologists have paid off. This cultural shift is driven by a range of factors, including increased economic interdependence, awareness of global issues, and technological progress. Collaboration is becoming increasingly prevalent in all aspects of life, leading to some remarkable changes. Violence takes a backseat, while access to education, healthcare, and social mobility increases. It seems that the world is becoming better due to our willingness to work together.

Countries

Enhanced economic interdependence among countries. Research shows that economic ties between countries reduce the likelihood of conflict and enhance peaceful coexistence.

For example, a study conducted by the International Monetary Fund revealed that a 10% increase in trade volume between countries reduces the likelihood of armed conflict between them by 0.5%. Yes, that research was conducted back in the distant year of 2002, and in 2022 we witnessed the result – seemingly a war. But what opportunities for cooperation have emerged in Ukraine now as a result of the war? (Undoubtedly, it is an immensely negative event, but we are trying to see the positive aspects that exist as a fact)

Additionally, the awareness of global issues such as climate change and inequality also contributes to cooperation. Many countries collaborate within international organizations such as the United Nations to address these issues.

Think about the situation with Ukraine, could you have attracted such keen attention to the situation in Ukraine 20 years ago?

Business

In the modern world, along with social changes, there are also changes happening in the business sphere. Traditional business models based on strict hierarchies are giving way to new models where a collective approach and equality among team members are prioritized.

For example, one of such new models is the concept of horizontal management, where managers and subordinates interact as equal partners. In this business model, communication and coordination occur not only between managers and subordinates but also between different departments of the company.

There is also the concept of “Agile,” which is widely applied in the IT industry and other sectors. It proposes a shift in project management approach, using methodologies that enable quick and efficient response to changing external conditions, development of new products and services, and process improvement.

Such new business models are typically based on principles of collaboration and teamwork, where each team member contributes to a common goal. This enables more efficient task resolution and allows for achieving higher results compared to traditional business models.

In a study conducted by Harvard Business Review in 2020, it was shown that companies transitioning to horizontal management and employing Agile methodologies tend to be more successful and have higher growth rates compared to companies that continue to use traditional business models.

Indeed, in recent times, there has been a growing trend of companies shifting away from traditional business models based on competition towards new models that prioritize equal communication between hierarchies and move away from rigid hierarchical structures. Such companies understand that collaboration and collective work can lead to more successful results than competition.

One prominent example is Google, which you are already familiar with. Another example is Patagonia, a company that produces environmentally-friendly clothing and actively engages in environmental advocacy. Patagonia is known for its democratic management methods, which involve employees in decision-making processes and empower them to contribute to the company’s development. The company also supports initiatives for environmental protection and engages with local communities.

Технологія блокчейн є однією з найінноваційніших технологій, що має великий потенціал у сприянні співпраці та кооперації.

Technological progress plays a role in stimulating cooperation. With the help of technology, people can connect and collaborate on an international level without the need for physical presence.

For example, the COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated how technology helps people to continue working and learning despite mobility restrictions. The ability to work from home has also reduced the need for extensive business travel, which in turn has decreased the strain on families and improved the quality of life. Family – gender roles are becoming less prominent. The formalization of marriages is rapidly becoming rare. The foundation of a family is built upon cooperation and collaboration, equality, and mutual support. Roles are distributed based on individual preferences, abilities, and circumstances. The reproductive function of the family becomes paramount.

The individuals themselves are the reflection and outcome of the changes discussed above. People have learned to create circumstances for others that uncover hidden potentials, ignite passion, and provide freedom of action that allows individuals to express their true selves rather than suppressing or stifling their potential. Manipulations are becoming less effective – it’s harder to exploit someone’s weaknesses, harder to show disrespect without being called out, and harder to disregard someone’s need for respect and validation. More and more people are finding their strength, perhaps even due to the storms from the external environment.

However, there are still many issues that need to be addressed if we want to create a more harmonious world. By better understanding how the world is changing and which areas need improvement, we can continue working towards creating an environment where cooperation prevails. And also staying up-to-date and understanding what to implement in our own lives for greater efficiency. Not nurturing the predator within ourselves, but learning to create a stable foundation through societal harmony and mutually beneficial cooperation. Not being cruel to oneself by cultivating iron willpower, but listening to our inner needs and unlocking our inner potential, which unleashes a flow of strength that can easily overpower any rigid leader.