Three factors that influence cooperation
Introduction
Cooperation is simply defined as the ability to work with others to achieve shared goals. It is generally a common effort portrayed by a group of people to realize mutual benefit and involves teamwork and joint action. Cooperation leads results to productivity, morale and a good living atmosphere. It should be an aim in people’s lives, to help others achieve goals not only for peace but the advancement of human society. Cooperation comes from within us and requires high levels of devotion without greed and jealousy so as to fulfill work. Cooperation is a great dependent of how people relate and treat each other. When cooperation lacks, competition comes in. There are three main factors that influence cooperation; Personal Orientations, Communication and tendencies towards Reciprocity.
Reciprocity
According to (Baron, Byrne & Branscombe, 2007) Reciprocity is the notion or belief that people should treat others the same way the persons have treated them. It is a social rule that is instilled in many people from generations to generations. It always seems like a kind of competition where each team is ready to put their own interests aside, whereas ready to defect from the good will if selfish interests are portrayed by either. Humans are not only the species that practice cooperation; it has been observed in chimpanzees and bats. Socialization plays a critical role especially as people grow up and this determines how people cooperate since people have different experiences, values, norms and cultures. The best explanation for cooperation reciprocity is stated by the theory of reciprocal altruism. The theory illustrates that by organisms sharing their resources they increase chances of survival and the vice is probable to be passed on to generations(Baron, Byrne & Branscombe, 2007). The benefits to the recipient are always higher than the resources used by the provider. Such benefits however, are only available for parties that reverse the good will through cooperation.
Communication
Communication involves discussing and sharing situations with other people, listen to each other’s views and later coming up with the best option so as to get the best results. As stated before, cooperation involves teamwork where communication is a factor that has to be observed. Communication has countless advantages especially in times of situations affecting more than one individual. It helps solve problems, improve relations, enhance creativity, improve performance and realize cooperation. Different researchers though argue that communication does not necessary increase cooperation since other selfish members use the opportunity to threaten others. However, they state that if certain conditions are met during communication, cooperation can be achieved. Benefits of communication are realized if a group sticks to personal commitments to cooperate and support this strongly to respect each other (Baron, Byrne & Branscombe, 2007).
Personal Orientations
According to researchers, there are three different types of orientations that people practice depending on socialization, past situations and encounter with others. They include Individualistic cooperation, where one focuses on maximizing their own interests and resources. Second, competitive orientation, where people put emphasis on defeating others so as to get better benefits that the other individual and cooperative orientation where people primarily focus on maximizing the team work outcomes received by all individuals involved(Baron, Byrne & Branscombe, 2007). Different people will practice varied orientations, dictating how they behave, treat others and approach situation which require cooperation.
Conclusion
Cooperation is a critical and an important feature that individuals should embrace. All the above three factors vary from person to person are greatly interdependent. Individual orientation and reciprocity may be socially controlled, but communication can intervene for both of them (Baron, Byrne & Branscombe, 2007). Though there are several conflicts and challenges to attain cooperation, people should ensure that they realize the advantages and benefits are resulting from cooperation.

References
Baron, R. A., Byrne, D. E., & Branscombe, N. R. (2007). Mastering social psychology. Boston: Pearson Allyn & Bacon.