Main Problems of Cooperation Management: Insights from Slovak Companies

Martin Holubčík,Jakub Soviar

doi:10.3390/su13126736

Abstract

The paper deals with the topic of the cooperation management in the Slovak business environment. We closely investigated the cooperation relations among the companies from 2012 to 2015. The major findings related to problems which impede effective cooperation, creation of synergies, and competitive advantages. As specific problems, we identified inefficient and insufficient cooperation among educational institutions and companies; low quality of supplier-customer relationships; potential risks and issues that may occur later on in cooperation; unsuitable approach to setting goals, tools, and methods for effective cooperation; etc. We also identified main criteria considering the importance for an effective and beneficial cooperation: mutual trust, adherence to contractual requirements, and benefit from the cooperation, which were defined as the best possible result with respect to the expectations about the cooperation. We focus exactly on these criteria in the discussion (among others), where we use them as a basis for the recommendations which will prevent the identified problems.

Highlights

We define cooperation management as the “effective and pragmatic management of cooperation relations between independent organizations or individuals for the purpose of raising of their competitiveness” [1]
We conducted research in the area of cooperation management and identified two main problems related to the use of cooperation management, which we discuss in this paper
We present the highlights of the results generated through our research of cooperation management

Summary

Introduction

We define cooperation management as the “effective and pragmatic management of cooperation relations between independent organizations or individuals for the purpose of raising of their competitiveness” [1]. We looked back at the complex research we have been carrying out. Within the data from these surveys, we were able to identify the main problem areas that relate to effective cooperation. This is a point of view from the Slovak Republic, before the “corona” period. The current situation will be affected by the pandemic crisis. We considered it necessary to clearly identify these problem areas. It is a comprehensive summary of knowledge and at the same time, a starting point for further research.

Objectives

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion