Kollektiivisina

Kollektiivisina is a term in Estonian that functions as an adverb meaning acting or functioning in a collective manner, by a group rather than by individuals alone. It is used to describe actions, decisions, or responsibilities attributed to a collective entity such as a team, organization, community, or movement, rather than to any single person. The term is common in formal or academic contexts, including discussions of organizational behavior, political theory, and sociological analysis, where emphasis is placed on collective agency and group processes.

Etymology and grammar: The word is derived from the adjective kollektiivne (collective) with the adverbial suffix -sina, yielding kollektiivisina. The form is relatively formal and most often appears in written Estonian. It functions as an adverb of manner, answering how actions are performed: kollektiivisina (as a collective).

Usage notes and examples: It is used to foreground group responsibility or action. For example: Nad tegutsevad kollektiivisina, kaitstes ühiste huvide nimel. Otsuseid võeti kollektiivisina vastu organisatsiooni üldkoosolekul. In practice, the term can sound academic and may be encountered in analyses of governance, collective decision-making, or social movements.

See also: kollektiivne, kollektiivsus, kollektiivne vastutus, kollektiivne otsustamine. Also related are words for collective action and cooperation, such as koos ja ühiselt.