KnowledgeBases > Factors that Help and Hinder Collaboration
Partnering with other organizations to fulfill an organizational or community need involves a degree of collaboration that the parties may have not previously undertaken. Collaboration with other organizations may be desirable from several perspectives such as a desire to engage other resources to fulfill a need or the fact that a funding sponsor may only make one award requiring the lead organization to issue sub grants to others to achieve project goals. Regardless of the situation organizations willing to work together must have mutual interests and compatibilities as well as benefiting from the relationship. The list that follows highlights factors that help and hinder collaboration. When exploring partnerships with other organizations it is a helpful list to keep in mind.
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Factors That Help Collaboration |
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|---|---|
| An external catalyst
A receptive political environment Recognition of a common client The identification of common benefits Strong leadership for the collaboration effort The identification of key players who share beliefs, characteristics, and a commitment to the process |
An openness to problem solving
Open communication flow Team building Assessments of team effectiveness Resources Common vision |
| A defined structure
Acknowledgement of the contribution of individual members Receptive agency culture Interpersonal trust between members Commitment of proactive long range planning Mutual needs and interests |
Time
Energy Broad-based representation Attention to group process Equality among partners Rewards |
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Factors That Hinder Collaboration |
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| Threat to autonomy
Professional staff fears Client representatives Disagreement among resource providers Multiple local governments and many private and public organizations |
Lack of "domain consensus"
Different expectations from federal, state and local levels Coordination is a low priority Costs and benefits are uncertain Resources are not available |
Source:
Belinda Biscoe, Ph.D., College of Continuing Education, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK
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