This Web site is a component of the SAMHSA Health Information Network

Enter Keywords Choose Website This Site Mental Health at HHS All Mental Health

Online Publications Order Publications National Library of Medicine National Academies Press Publications Homepage

printer friendly page e-mail this page bookmark this page shopping cart  current or new account

This Web site is a component of the SAMHSA Health Information Network.

Getting Together: Ideas for Effective Collaborations

Characteristics of Effective Collaboration

A STUDY OF MORE THAN 30 COALITIONS FOUND 19 FACTORS PRESENT IN EFFECTIVE COLLABORATIONS:

ENVIRONMENTAL

• a history of collaboration or cooperation in the community
• favorable political/social climate

MEMBERSHIP

• mutual respect, understanding and trust among the partners
• appropriate partnership (no key stakeholder is missing)
• ability to see collaboration as in their self-interest and to take an interest in the success of other members
• ability to compromise

PROCESS/STRUCTURE

• shared stake in the process and outcome
• not limited to one level of decision-making
• flexibility
• clear roles and policy guidelines
• adaptability

COMMUNICATION

• open and frequent communication
• established informal and formal communication links

PURPOSE

• concrete, attainable goals and objectives
• shared vision
• unique purpose

RESOURCES

• sufficient funds
• a skilled convener

Previous | TOC | Next

Back to Community Action Pamphlet Menu