It refers to dynamic interplay of forces in which contact between persons and groups result in modification of attitudes and behavior of the participants. The interaction processes have been classified on the basis of their cooperation and oppositional nature.
Cooperative interaction is working together toward common objectives or goals. It may be informal as in the case of family and neighborhood or formal legal type like in organizations and registered societies offices.
Accommodative interaction is accepting each others views and developing common understanding with compromises and tolerance. It is a process of getting along despite differences.
Assimilative interaction is fusing and blending of divergent cultural group, thereby cultural differences disappear. The concept of accommodative interaction and assimilative interaction is the concept of acculturation which is referred as the changes in culture that result from continued contact between two cultures. Modern transport, communication, developmental programmes facilitate the processes of acculturation and assimilation.
Competitive interaction is the in which persons and groups compete with each other to reach a goal- competition for profit, ownership etc. It is both negative and positive aspects. Too much competition leads to generation of tension and a feeling of insecurity. On the other competition may lead to motivation for excellence and achievement of goals.
Conflict interaction is a struggle in which the competent parties, attempting to reach a goal, try to eliminate, abolish, wipeout or make other part ineffective. Conflict is intermittent, emerge as a result of opposing interests and arise in periods of crises.
Participants