WE HANG TOGETHER

The Role of Interdependence in Strategic Collaboration Notes:

• Business world was previously focused on models of competition but later focus shifted to corporate strategy and association.
• Strategic alliances can be any kind of collaborative relationship or endeavor. Strategies of isolationism are falling out of favor.
• Pundit: (noun) a learned person, expert, authority; a person who makes comments or judgments
• "Only rarely does a company's vision focus on a competitor's failure."

SURVIVAL OF THE INTERDEPENDENT 

• Darwin's theory shows that the fittest are not the most self-sufficient, but they are the most adaptable and interdependent.
• Trust and communication play a significant role in successful interdependent efforts.
• Test alliances by conducting organizational audits to evaluate human factors. Must understand working relationships.

AMERICAN CULTURE AND THE FALLACY OF "GOING IT ALONE"

• Individual quests are encouraged from a young age.
• Self-sufficient human being is an unattainable goal.
• Successful presidents have had strong cabinets.
• A collaborator must be able to describe benefits of the partnerships or the unfavorable ramifications of a lacking partnership.

VALUES OF STRATEGIC RELATIONSHIPS

• The value of a strategic relationship is things like reduced costs and economies of scale. The values of a strategic relationship are more personal attitudes like integrity, quality, and trust.
• Medieval guilds are an example of relationships with trust and personal bonds.
• Social trend towards selfishness makes business relationship less loyal.

CAPACITY BUILDING AND COMMUNITY

• Perhaps companies would hold more trust if the people working for them were allowed to reach out and show the human side of the company.
• Successful companies have community projects.
• Altruism: (noun) the principle or practice of unselfish concern for or devotion to the welfare of others.

THE TECHNIQUE OF THE MARKETPLACE

• We need each other!