We often use these words in same meaning, but they represent fundamentally different ways of contributing to benefit of a common group or task.
When cooperating, people work together (co-operate) while working for benefit to themselves, yet common goals. The logic here is “If you help me I’ll help you” and it allows for peer-to-peer systems and distributed networks.
When collaborating, people work together (co-labor) on a shared goal. Like an orchestra which follows the notes. Everyone has agreed the notes and and each musician plays own part not for own sake but to make something bigger.
Even with the best intentions, collaboration becomes easily hierarchic way to act. The leader's role is emphasized and the other participants can be replaced .
Still we are speaking about many kinds of co-operation/ collaboration
working in CHAIN : every participant prepares his/ her own share. The pieces are assembled in a row.
working with BLOCKS: every participants prepares his/ her own block (like a pizza and slices)
CHANGING -method: every participants is giving something and also getting something
All of the methods can be implemented co-operatively, but also collaboratively.
Collectives vs. Connectives
Collective way , to work together by making decisions a consensus basis and egalitarian basis.
Connectives are self-organizing and self-sustaining. No master, conductor is needed. You can join or leave your place any time and the work goes on with or without you. Since connectives support individual goals, they create value even when a group is small and growing, at least for individuals. By linking selfish yet common acts together, connectives are able to empower individuals while creating new kinds of group value.
A Model from Nature
In a forest there is no script that all of the organisms follow. There is no conductor. Yet there are countless levels of interdependence and cooperation at work in which selfish goals sustain each other and create larger, unpredictable achievements.