Back to: Jss1 Civic Education (NVE)

Introduction

When people work together, they are able to do more than they would be able to on their own. Because of this, it is common to hear people say things like “two or more good heads are better than one.”

Meaning Of Cooperation 

This refers to the process in which a group of people unite in order to achieve a shared goal. Cooperatives are groups of individuals who come together to work towards the accomplishment of a common goal.

Another way to define cooperation is as the act of working together toward the accomplishment of a common objective that will ultimately benefit all members of society. It is said that “together we stand, divided we fall,” which is a proverb. Without cooperation among its people, no nation or community can make progress toward its goals. As citizens of Nigeria, we have a responsibility to cooperate with our government by paying our taxes on time, participating in elections, and taking care of public properties that are intended to improve our quality of life.

ATTRIBUTES OF CO-OPERATION

The following are characteristics of cooperative behaviour: 

1. Sharing: In order to work together effectively, it is necessary to share ideas. People are not allowed to withhold information or supplies that are required for the completion of a task. As a result, it promotes the members of the community’s independence by establishing a relationship that is advantageous to both parties.
2. Caring: If we want to attain the goals we have set for ourselves, we need to care for one another as a team. Everyone needs to be looked for in order for them to feel like they are a part of the community. The leader is responsible for the well-being of the followers, and the followers are responsible for the well-being of the leader. Cooperation is necessary for this to take place in any form.
3. A Spirit of Teamwork: Working together as a group is an essential component of cooperation. Individual bristles on a broom are less effective than a group of them, and a single tree will never amount to a forest. In order to reach a predetermined objective, everyone must contribute to the endeavour and acknowledge that they are just as important as anybody else in the process.
4. Mutual Respect: Cooperation requires that people involved have mutual respect for one another. It means treating each other with dignity, recognizing each other’s differences, and valuing each other’s opinions.
5. Trust: Trust is a crucial attribute of cooperation. It involves believing that others will do what they say they will do and that they have the best intentions.
6. Open Communication: Cooperation requires open and honest communication between all parties involved. People must be willing to listen to each other’s views, opinions, and concerns without judgment.
7. Shared Goals: Cooperation requires that all parties involved share the same goals and objectives. It means working towards a common purpose and taking collective responsibility for achieving it.
8. Flexibility: Cooperation demands that people be flexible and adaptable. It means being willing to compromise and make adjustments to reach a shared goal.
9. Commitment: Cooperation requires a high level of commitment from everyone involved. It means being willing to put in the time and effort required to achieve the shared goal.
10. Positive Attitude: Cooperation demands a positive attitude towards each other and the shared goal. It means being optimistic, enthusiastic, and supportive of each other.
11. Empathy: Cooperation requires empathy, the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. It means putting oneself in someone else’s shoes and considering their perspective.
12. Collaboration: Cooperation demands collaboration, working together to achieve a shared goal. It means leveraging each other’s strengths and working towards a common objective.
13. Conflict Resolution: Cooperation requires the ability to resolve conflicts and disagreements. It means addressing issues that may arise and finding ways to overcome them together.

Factors that Promote Cooperation

The following are some of the elements that contribute to an increase in the level of cooperation in any given society.

1. Common Goals: When people share common goals, it is easier for them to cooperate. The more people work together towards achieving a common goal, the more effective they will be in their efforts.
2. Communication: Effective communication promotes cooperation by making it possible for people to express their ideas, opinions and concerns. Communication also helps to build trust and fosters understanding between people.
3. Trust: Trust is the foundation of cooperation. People are more likely to cooperate when they trust each other. Trust is built over time through shared experiences and interactions.
4. Mutual Respect: People are more likely to cooperate when they respect each other. Mutual respect is shown through listening, understanding and valuing each other’s opinions and ideas.
5. Shared Resources: When people share resources, they are more likely to cooperate. Sharing resources promotes cooperation because people depend on each other to access and utilize the resources.
6. Interdependence: When people recognize their interdependence, they are more likely to cooperate. Interdependence means that people depend on each other to achieve their goals.
7. Positive Attitude: A positive attitude promotes cooperation by creating a supportive environment. When people have a positive attitude, they are more likely to be receptive to new ideas and to work together towards common goals.
8. Leadership: Effective leadership promotes cooperation by providing direction and guidance. Good leaders are able to motivate people and create a positive working environment.
9. Cultural Diversity: Cultural diversity promotes cooperation by providing different perspectives and ideas. When people come from different cultures, they bring with them different experiences, values and beliefs that can enrich the cooperative process.
10. Flexibility: Flexibility promotes cooperation by allowing people to adapt to changing circumstances. When people are flexible, they are better able to work together to achieve their goals, even when the situation is challenging or unpredictable.

Benefits of Co-Operation

1. Increased Productivity: When people work together towards a common goal, they are able to accomplish more than they would be able to on their own. Co-operation among individuals or groups can lead to increased productivity, as members share ideas and resources, and work towards achieving shared objectives.
2. Improved Problem-Solving: Co-operation allows individuals to share their knowledge and expertise, which can lead to better problem-solving skills. When individuals work together to solve a problem, they are able to pool their resources and ideas and come up with more effective solutions.
3. Increased Efficiency: When people work together, they can accomplish tasks more efficiently than if they worked alone. Co-operation helps to reduce duplication of effort, as individuals can work on different aspects of a project simultaneously, and share their progress with others.
4. Improved Communication: Co-operation can lead to improved communication among individuals and groups. As people work together, they learn to communicate effectively, share information, and collaborate on projects.
5. Enhanced Learning: Co-operation can lead to enhanced learning, as individuals share their knowledge and expertise with others. When people work together, they can learn from each other, and develop new skills and knowledge.
6. Increased Innovation: Co-operation can lead to increased innovation, as individuals share their ideas and collaborate on new projects. Working together can lead to new and innovative approaches to problem-solving, and can help to create new opportunities for growth and development.
7. Greater Flexibility: Co-operation allows individuals and groups to be more flexible in their approach to work. As people work together, they can adjust their approach and adapt to changing circumstances more easily.
8. Improved Morale: Co-operation can improve morale among individuals and groups, as they feel a sense of belonging and a shared sense of purpose. When people work together, they are more likely to feel motivated and engaged and to be committed to achieving shared goals.
9. Increased Trust: Co-operation can lead to increased trust among individuals and groups. As people work together, they develop relationships and learn to rely on each other, which can lead to greater trust and cooperation.
10. Enhanced Social Interaction: Co-operation can lead to enhanced social interaction among individuals and groups. As people work together, they have the opportunity to get to know each other better and to develop positive relationships that can extend beyond the workplace or project.