Abstract

Collaboration, or partnering, is an effective method for national service organizations and other volunteer agencies to achieve common goals. Through collaboration, organizations can improve themselves by joining together to take on issues that would be beyond the scope of any single group. According to Paul Mattessich, author of Collaboration: What Makes it Work (Second Edition), collaboration at its best accomplishes tasks that improve community conditions, reinforces social fibers, and increases communities' capacity to get more done. This effective practice presents twenty factors influencing successful collaborations, in six areas. Developed from a session presented by Melissa L. Kelley, Governor's Commission on National and Community Service (Colorado) at the Southwest Cluster AmeriCorps Program Directors Conference held February 2002 in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

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Issue

Sometimes collaborating with other service or community organizations can more effectively get things done, but this unique form of partnership oftentimes presents its own set of challenges and issues. Collaboration depends on trust, shared vision, communication, and other ingredients. Having an understanding of the theoretical groundwork can help groups achieve a successful collaboration.

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Action

In Collaboration: What Makes it Work (Second Edition), Paul Mattessich has outlined 20 factors that influence the success of collaborations formed by nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and other organizations. These are as follows:

Factors Related to the Environment

1. A history of collaboration or cooperation in the community
2. The collaborative group is seen as a legitimate leader in the community
3. A favorable political and social climate

Factors Related to Membership Characteristics

1. Mutual respect, understanding, and trust for members and their respective organizations
2. An appropriate cross section of members
3. Members see collaboration in their self-interest
4. The ability to compromise

Factors Related to Process and Structure

1. Members share a stake in process and outcome
2. Multiple layers of participation
3. Flexibility in both structure and methods
4. Development of clear roles and policy guidelines
5. Adaptability or the ability of the collaborative group to sustain itself in the midst of changes
6. An appropriate pace of development

Factors Related to Communication

1. Open and frequent communication
2. Established informal and formal communication links

Factors Related to Purpose

1. Clear attainable goals and objectives that are communicated to all partners and can be realistically attained
2. Shared vision
3. Unique purpose

Factors Related to Resources

1. Sufficient funds, staff, materials, and time
2. Skilled leadership

More in-depth descriptions of the twenty factors are contained in the book.

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Context

Government initiatives require many agencies to collaborate. Some nonprofit organizations have attained objectives by collaborating with small, grass roots organizations that understand local needs and enjoy an established reputation among the local population.

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Citation

Mattessich, Paul W. et al. Collaboration: What Makes it Work (Second Edition), St. Paul, Minnesota: Amherst H. Wilder Foundation, 2001.

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Outcome

On a practical level, cost efficiencies are made possible by addressing common issues or delivering similar services with peers, and services are more accessible and effective. Additionally, Barbara Gray notes in her book, Collaborating (1989), that the quality of results increases due to a broader, more comprehensive analysis of issues and opportunities.

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Evidence

According to Atelia Melavilee and Martin J. Blank, researchers in the field of human service collaborations, "Collaborative partnerships among human service agencies offer the ability to deliver services based on the total needs of clients -- and the possibility of a truly integrated service system." According to research conducted by the McKnight Foundation, " the synergistic efforts of collaborating partners often result in creative ways to overcome obstacles."

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Source Documents

Related Practices

• Understanding key elements of barter and collaboration
• Stimulating collaboration and setting the ground rules
• Collaborating to develop service programming to address community needs

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Related sites

American Association of State Service Commissions (ASC)

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