Collaboration is best defined as which of the following?

Collaboration is fundamentally about the process of two or more individuals or groups working together harmoniously towards a common objective. The ability to work jointly with others fosters an environment where diverse ideas and skills can be combined, leading to improved outcomes. This cooperative effort can enhance creativity, leverage different perspectives, and distribute workloads effectively among team members, ultimately promoting a sense of unity and shared responsibility.

In contrast, the other choices describe approaches that do not embody the essence of collaboration. Working independently does not involve the engagement and sharing that are central to teamwork, while avoiding teamwork undermines the cooperative spirit necessary for collaboration. Seeking competitive advantage over peers is self-serving and focuses on rivalry rather than on collective success, which is contrary to the collaborative ethos. Therefore, the choice that best represents collaboration is the one emphasizing joint effort towards shared goals.