CareerLeader
Cooperation and Harmony: what does it mean?
Some people prefer environments where friendliness, trust, and mutual helpfulness are essential elements of the culture and interpersonal conflict and competition are minimal. These individuals often have a strong altruistic motivation ~ the social value of the product or service they're providing is very important. Other people really enjoy competition (including competition within their own group) seeing it as a virtue, and take a somewhat more skeptical view of human nature and motives.

Similarly, some work cultures have a spirit that emphasizes cooperation, interpersonal sensitivity, assuming the best of people, and a have a certain level of altruism in the organization's goals (even if the business is definitely private sector and for-profit). These cultures tend to be run by consensus (when possible) and to minimize conflict and internal competition. Other cultures establish norms valuing a competitive spirit (internally as well as against industry competitors) and encouraging healthy conflict. They encourage skeptical and critical examination of ideas as a normal part of the assessment of a business situation. People who thrive in this culture tend to be comfortable with conflict and are comfortable challenging co-workers when they think it will shed light on a business process ~ or will increase their advantage in a negotiation or debate.

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