For example, teaming is increasingly prevalent in business, health care, and public policy work. Turbulent environments, rapidly changing technologies, and increasingly specialized knowledge are some of the factors that are making collaboration more attractive to professors and society in general. Considerable variation occurs within these two categories, however. Collaboration in research can vary on several dimensions, including its purpose, organizational structure, team composition, and duration. Collaboration in teaching can differ along several dimensions as well.
Collaborative practices differ considerably across fields.
Although each collaborative arrangement is distinctive, collaboration generally follows a common pattern. Small-group theory helps to illuminate the dynamics of collaboration. This theory emphasizes the temporary and emergent nature of collaboration as participants work out the details of executing a shared project or activity. The way collaborators execute each step influences the evolution and outcomes of the team's effort. Collaboration among faculty often raises issues of power, influence, professional identity, and integrity.