Seven requirements for successful collaboration

Abstract

he idea of intersector cooperation seems obvious. It embodies the T values that create effective citizenshipi.e., government, business, philanthropy and voluntary organizations working together toward common goals. Working together appears to provide an opportunity to achieve public purposes more effectively than individual action by any one component. But the reality is that collaborations are more complex. Several important issues should be considered first.As CEO of a private grantmaking foundation for the past dozen years, I have had considerable opportunity to participate in and observe collaborative relationships in varied combinations: Government with business, for example, or foundations with government, or business with foundations, citizens groups and government.Collaboration provides an opportunity to share information; it also provides opportunities to share prejudices.