Meaning of Synergy - What it is, Definition and Concept

Synergy is the joint action of several factors that cooperate to obtain an effect that exceeds the mere sum. That is to say that when two or more elements are joined in synergy, they generate a result that maximizes the qualities of each intervening factor, increasing the individual yields.Literally the meaning of synergy is union of several energies, since the term comes from syn (union) and ergy (energy).

Recalling the aristotelian concept in Ancient Greece: "The whole is greater than the sum of each of its parts" , we understand synergy as a whole with characteristics and properties that we do not find in its isolated parts.

Synergy can be found in nature in each of its systems, for example, muscular synergy refers to the coordination of contractions of different muscles to execute a certain movement.

In physiology we can see a synergy when the organs that participate in the respiratory function in coordination work together to allow breathing.

In both the ecosystems and human health , there are toxic synergies when they contribute cocktails of chemicals, pollutants or pesticides that administered individually would not cause toxic effects.

In economics , the mental, psychological and emotional capacities of the people who constitute the human capital of an organization are enhanced in the work team when it works in synchrony and harmony. The essence of synergy is the assessment of each of the differences.

In information systems, synergy is a quality of the system that is not found in its individual parts or subsystems.

In sociology we talk about synergy when union forces join forces, for example, to make a wage claim and obtain more effectiveness by promoting collaboration and cooperation.

The associated work reports advantages because the individual energies in pursuit of a common goal are multiplied in a synergy that is reflected on the social group as a whole.