Creating Collaborative Advantage

Inter-organizational collaboration is becoming increasingly significant as a means of achieving organizational objectives in turbulent environments. Yet it is not an easy process to implement successfully. Drawing on the work of authors with a high level of relevant experience, this volume provides a thought-provoking and accessible introduction to the theory and practice of `creating collaborative advantage'.

The first part of the book develops a framework of key dimensions for understanding collaboration. Different perspectives highlight the diversity of rationales and contexts involved, and the range of elements which need to be considered and addressed when embarking on collaborative endeavours.

The second section focuses in more detail on collaboration in practice. It examines the problems that can occur when different `stakeholders', who frequently hold different aims, cultures, procedures, professional languages and power resources, work across organizational boundaries. The last section addresses specifically the processes of acting as a facilitator to collaborative groups. It discusses how and why a third party facilitator role can be helpful, and explores the various processes and techniques that can be used.

Contenu
PART ONE: INTRODUCTION
Collaboration and Collaborative Advantage - Chris Huxham
PART TWO: RATIONALES AND CONTEXTS FOR COLLABORATION
On the Theory and Practice of Transformational Collaboration - Arthur Turovh Himmelman
From Social Service to Social Justice
The Stakeholder/Collaborator Strategy Workshop - Colin Eden
Cross-Sectoral Partners - Barbara Gray
Collaborative Alliances among Business, Government and Communities
PART THREE: COLLABORATION IN PRACTICE: KEY ISSUES
Collaborative Working and the Issue of Sustainability - Steve Cropper
Five Obstacles to Community-Based Collaboration and Some Thoughts on Overcoming Them - David Sink
Involving the Community - Catherine Barr and Chris Huxham
Collaboration for Community Development
PART FOUR: INTERVENTION PROCESSES FOR COLLABORATION
The Role of Facilitation in Collaborative Groups - Sandor P Schuman
Group Decision Support for Collaboration - Chris Huxham
Stakeholder Strategies for Positive Collaborative Outcomes - Charles B Finn
Inter-Organizational Collaboration in the Policy Preparation Process - Arnold de Jong
PART FIVE: CLOSURE
The Search for Collaborative Advantage - Chris Huxham