Factors Influencing the Success of Collaboration

Following are the twenty factors that influence the success of collaborations formed by nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and other organizations.The authors who identified these factors note: "Much of the research suggests that these factors can apply to collaborative efforts that link business organizations with nonprofit organizations as well."

1. Factors Related to the ENVIRONMENT

1. History of collaboration or cooperation in the community
   A history of collaboration or cooperation exists in the community and offers the potential collaborative partners an understanding of the roles and expectations required in collaboration and enables them to trust the process.
   
   
2. Collaborative group seen as a legitimate leader in the community
   The collaborative group (and by implication the agencies in the group)is perceived within the community as reliable and competent (at least related to the goals and activities it intends to accomplish.
   
   
3. Favorable political and social climate
   Political leaders, opinion-makers, persons who control resources, and the general public support (or at least do not oppose) the mission of the collaborative group

2. Factors Related to MEMBERSHIP CHARACTERISTICS

1. Mutual respect, understanding, and trust
   Members of the collaborative group share an understanding and respect for each other and their respective organizations: how they operate, their cultural norms and values, their limitations, and their expectations.
   
   
2. Appropriate cross section of members
   To the extent that they are needed, the collaborative group includes representatives from each segment of the community who will beaffected by its activities.
   
   
3. Members see collaboration as in their self-interest
   Collaborating partners believe that they will benefit from their involvement in the collaboration and that the advantages of membership will offset costs such as loss of autonomy and turf.
   
   
4. Ability to compromise
   Collaborating partners are able to compromise, since the many decisions within a collaborative effort cannot possible fit the preferences ofevery member perfectly.

3. Factors Related to PROCESS AND STRUCTURE

1. Members share a stake in both process and outcome
   Members of a collaborative group feel "ownership" of both the way the group works and the results or products of its work.
   
   
2. Multiple layers of participation
   Every level (upper management, middle management, operations) within each partner organization has at least some representation and ongoing involvement in the collaborative initiative.
   
   
3. Flexibility
   The collaborative group remains open to varied ways of organizing itself and accomplishing its work.
   
   
4. Development of clear roles and policy guidelines
   The collaborating partners clearly understand their roles, rights, and responsibilities, and they understand how to carry out those responsibilities.
   
   
5. Adaptability
   The collaborative group has the ability to sustain itself in the midst of major changes, even if it needs to change some major goals, members, etc., in order to deal with changing conditions.
   
   
6. Appropriate pace of development
   The structure, resources, and activities of the collaborative group change over time to meet the needs of the group without overwhelming its capacity, at each point throughout the initiative.

4. Factors Related to COMMUNICATION

1. Open and frequent communication
   Collaborative group members interact often, update one another, discuss issues openly, and convey all necessary information to one another and to people outside the group.
   
   
2. Established informal relationships and communication links
   In addition to formal channels of communication, members establish personal connections (producing a better,more informed, and cohesive group working on a common project).

5. Factors Related to PURPOSE

1. Concrete, attainable goals and objectives
   Goals and objectives of the collaborative group are clear to all partners, and can realistically be attained.
   
   
2. Shared vision
   Collaborating partners have the same vision, with clearly agreed-upon mission, objectives, and strategy. The shared vision may exist at the outset of collaboration, or the partners may develop a vision as they work together.
   
   
3. Unique purpose
   The mission and goals, or approach, of the collaborative group differ, at least in part, from the mission and goals, or approach, of the member organizations.

6. Factors Related to RESOURCES

1. Sufficient funds, staff, materials, and time
   The collaborative group has an adequate, consistent financial base, along with the staff and materials needed to support its operations. It allows sufficient time to achieve its goals and includes time to nurture the collaboration.
   
   
2. Skilled leadership
   The individual who provides leadership for the collaborative group has organizing and interpersonal skills, and carries out the role with fairness. Because of these characteristics (and others), the leader is granted respect or "legitimacy" by the collaborative partners.
    

   Adapted from Collaboration: What Makes It Work, 2nd ed., by Paul W. Mattessich, Marta Murray-Close, andBarbara Monsey, copyright 2001, Amherst H. Wilder Foundation. Used with permission. For more informationon Wilder Foundation publications, call 1-800-274-6024.