What Is Collaborative Working?

Collaborative working, loosely defined, involves people working together to achieve a common goal. It can be within the same department or between several, while also being an important part of a freelancer’s responsibility in delivering a project on time. Without effective collaboration or ‘collaborative working’, in many cases the wheels simply wouldn’t turn, so to speak.Electric Works plays host to many different professionals, all of which engage in some form of collaboration in the workplace. In this article, we want to establish how good collaboration manifests and why it is important. Read on to discover the different types, as well as the benefits of collaborative working.

Different types of collaborative working

Independent organisations working on joint projects

Due to working on the same project, it is very common for different organisations to collaborate in order to achieve their individual aims. Whether that be two institutions within the same sector or a business liaising with an agency, this form of effective collaboration can manifest in several ways. This is one of the benefits of collaborative working for dynamic businesses with changing needs or priorities.

Independent organisations sharing expertise

Two organisations with different levels of expertise may collaborate on certain projects, where appropriate. Often, a larger company communicates with a smaller yet more specialised business to finish any relevant project. This is beneficial in terms of costs, due to a lack of retention and only paying for the necessary billable hours.

A new organisation to work on shared activities

Streamlining the creative process is often a priority for businesses, hence why creating a new organisation with a clear set of objectives can be beneficial. Focus is extremely important, especially for those with a global reach. International companies continue to adapt to different markets and incorporate emerging technologies, which is exactly why this form of collaborative working can help.

Group structures involving a parent company and subsidiaries

This is related to the previous form of collaborative working, although a corporate structure resembling the umbrella creates a different form of oversight. Also, this is far easier logistically given the fact that a subsidiary is an extension of an existing business, rather than being a single entity in its own right.

Mergers that create one body to work on all projects

Mergers are commonplace in the world of business, both for positive and negative reasons. Occasionally, it is cost-effective for a larger company to absorb a smaller company that specialises in an area of value. On the other hand, smaller companies succeed in one domain and attract the attention of global players, something that is happening in the realm of artificial intelligence. In short, this can manifest as a means of improving an area of a business or driving innovation.

What work can be done collaboratively?

There really is no limit to the work that can be done collaboratively, regardless of the sector. Cross-team collaboration is a fundamental part of being a professional and it is something that we encourage here at Electric Works.

Our creative work spaces are designed with modern businesses in mind and our understanding of good collaboration helps with that. Contact us now to discover how our units can help your enterprise reach its full potential.