Coopetition and Project Management

Well, it is the hybrid of competition and cooperation. And it is an example of an agile organization, which adapts to circumstances (aka is opportunistic). Still there might be a strategic component to it: win market share in the long term.

Think given the increasing speed of changes, a traditional competitor might morph into a potential partner. First in specific situations, and if disruption of a market place is growing, as a long term partnership, even a joint venture or M&A.

A problem is if you shaped a culture over long years to see others as the enemy, it is harder to accept for staff that it now becomes a partner. External enemies for both might be a trigger to seek cooperation, see the automotive industry and Tesla, US/Russia vs. global warming.

In terms of project economy, what are enemies? We deal with them as adversary stakeholders anyhow. We seek to borrow power by cooperation and increasing value. We do not think the world is a zero sum game, but believe that we can add value by cooperation. As a profession, we think competition is not a helpful behavior. So we would rather look at cooperation and probably use coopetition as a strategy to change our competitive organization.

Luis -

One example I'd suggest is the use of the "Share" risk response strategy for opportunities (positive risks).

Let's say we are at an automotive tradeshow alongside a competitor and both of us are selling the same parts for an electric car.

This is an emerging market, and it is in our mutual best interests for it to grow, so if one of us ends up with more sales leads than we can effectively respond to, it would be wise to share them with our competitor to ensure the market is growing well.

Kiron

Really, great explanations and examples. Thank you, Kiron and Thomas.

Dear Thomas
Thank you for participating in this reflection and for your opinion

This culture, that of competition, was introduced to us from an early age and for many years.

In Portugal, from an early age (school, grading system)
In organizations, within the teams where we are integrated, it is very important to create a culture of cooperation

Luis,

agree. I think both competition and cooperation are needed for society and project managers. And both feed each other. Yin-yang.

Competition has its merits in enabling growth and surviving with rare resources. It is a belief in economics and all for-profit organizations. A organizational hierarchy, even a traditional family, and most sports encourage competition. It is the result of a mindset of individual freedom and autonomy and a component of the culture of achievement, building on protestantism and prevalent in US, Japan, China, UK and Germany.

Cooperation on the other side is more representing an open mindset, believing in growth beyond zero-sum (Singularity University calls ours the age of abundance). It puts community, fairness, respect and honesty above individual freedom. Long term thinking and good relationships are more important than quick wins and transactional dealings.

Luis -

One example I'd suggest is the use of the "Share" risk response strategy for opportunities (positive risks).

Let's say we are at an automotive tradeshow alongside a competitor and both of us are selling the same parts for an electric car.

This is an emerging market, and it is in our mutual best interests for it to grow, so if one of us ends up with more sales leads than we can effectively respond to, it would be wise to share them with our competitor to ensure the market is growing well.

Kiron