Pattern: Competition breeds collaboration

Summary	A competitive element gives people a focus and incentive for working more tightly as a group.
Status	seed	Confidence	0
details...		Group	Making stuff together

Problem

Often the purpose for collaboration is not clearly defined within a task - collaboration is not designed into the activity. Rather it is assumed that it will simply take place because one requests people to work in groups.

Context

This is applicable to many forms of collaborative activity where group work is expected and individuals are being assigned to groups. What is important is to allow space for the members of any group to articulate their roles in relation to the activity.

Solution

Add a competitive element to a task is a method of encouraging a group to work more effectively as a team.This also requires an appreciation that teams - if individuals are new to each other - have space to negotiate and articulate roles within the team.

Related Patterns

list other patterns related to this one, under categories such as component, assisting, conflicting, uses this, etc.

This needs to link to patterns on 'socialisation before collaboration' and 'reward for collaboration' and 'space for dialog'?

Notes, Links and References

Liabilities, potential risks, extensions, expected side-effects

Add links here to defining roles for teamwork.

Licensing

This work is licenced under a Creative Commons Licence.