Coopetition in education: collaborating in a competitive environment

Muijs, D and Rumyantseva, N (2014) 'Coopetition in education: collaborating in a competitive environment.' Journal of Educational Change, 15 (1). pp. 1-18.

Official URL: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10833-013-9223-8

Abstract

While educational theory has often seen collaboration and competition as incompatible, there is increasing evidence that collaboration persists in educational markets characterized by competition. In this paper, we use the theoretical lens of ‘coopetition’, a relationship between organizations involving competition in some segments and cooperation in others, to study this phenomenon and look at the applicability of this concept to education. A case study approach was used to study collaboration and competition in a network of eleven 6th-form colleges, which teach 16–18-year-old students in England. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with managers in each college. Documentary evidence was collected such as websites, brochures, and publicity materials. Results show that the collaborative network was perceived positively. The concept of coopetition was clearly applicable to this network, with collaboration and competition equally informing college strategies and policies, and many aspects of coopetition theory applying to the network. However, challenges to future collaboration were identified.

Item Type: Article
Keywords: networking, collaboration, competition, coopetition
Divisions: School of Education
Date Deposited: 04 Oct 2024 17:23
Last Modified: 04 Oct 2024 17:23
ISSN: 1389-2843
URI / Page ID: https://researchspace.bathspa.ac.uk/id/eprint/16530
Request a change to this item or report an issue Request a change to this item or report an issue
Update item (repository staff only) Update item (repository staff only)