Collaboration: Leveraging resources and expertise

Abstract

Successful collaboration is an art form but can be developed through several smart practices. The authors discuss the meaning of collaboration, stakeholder perceptions of collaborative partnerships, and the experience of Summer Scholars, a nonprofit community organization that successfully uses collaboration to accomplish its mission. Further, they offer strategies for successful collaborative efforts.

Understanding motivations of potential partners to develop a public outdoor recreation center in an urban area

“…Fourteen of 17 organizations interviewed stated that they could provide connections to other relevant organizations. The consistent mention of existing partnerships demonstrates the intention for most organizations to avoid duplication of efforts, an important goal of partnerships noted by Byrne and Hansberry (2007). One interviewee summed this idea up very well: "Give everyone a forte, a specialty, a seat at the table.…”

“…Since partnerships require consensus on most important decisions, stakeholders may need to compromise on a mutually acceptable approach (Casey et al, 2009;James, 1999). A balance of power can be difficult to attain with distinct groups and interests that may differ significantly in the values, missions and resources brought to the partnership (Byrne & Hansberry, 2007). Collaboration also contradicts many traditional management styles in many organizations that may be concerned about protecting their "turf" and want to avoid the loss of control involved in partnering (Selin, 1999).…”

“…As stated on the U.S. Forest Service's Collaboration Toolbox webpage, many funders prefer or even require projects involving partnerships (USFS, 2013). Additionally, collaboration ensures that services are not duplicated by several entities (Byrne & Hansberry, 2007), and partners can work simultaneously on different aspects of the project (Fadeeva, 2005). McCreary et al (2012) classified the motivations of U.S. Forest Service personnel to collaborate into three categories: Interpersonal, intrapersonal and institutional.…”

The Challenges Non-Profit Community Action Agency Leaders Face in Collaborating with Non-Profit Human Services Organizations

“…However according to (Byrne & Hansberry, 2007). "such overuse of the term can serve to dilute the power of true collaboration, which has been defined as mutually beneficial and well defined relationship entered into by two or more organizations to achieve common goals" (p. 75).…”

“…Byrne and Hansberry (2007) asserted that funding sources want to ensure efficient and effective programs and organizations. Thus, collaborating and coordinating service delivery, organizations reinforce their resources to help move individuals and families toward independence.…”