Social Interdependence Theory

Social Interdependence Theory suggests that how people are connected influences their behavior and outcomes. When individuals work together with mutual goals, cooperation tends to increase, leading to shared success. Conversely, if their goals are conflicting or they see each other as competition, collaboration decreases. Essentially, the way people depend on each other—whether positively or negatively—shapes their motivation, interactions, and achievements. This theory highlights the importance of designing environments and relationships that foster cooperation to achieve better collective results.