Home - Our programs - Health Promotion Resource Centre (HPRC) - HPRC Resources

About HPRC	Services	Resources	Projects & Archives

Factors Influencing the Success of Collaboration
From Amherst H. Wilder Foundation, "Collaboration: What Makes it Work1"

Note: A more complete description of these factors, and how they were identified, is found in Collaboration: What Makes it Work, by Paul Mattessich and Barbara Monsey, from which this short article was extracted. Contact Amherst H. Wilder Foundation for more information.

OPC has also received permission to reprint a slightly longer version of these factors as a Collaboration Tip-Sheet., 13.6kB.

Nineteen factors are seen as influencing the success of collaborations formed by human service, government and other non-profit agencies. The factors are grouped into six categories: environment; membership; process/structure; communications; purpose; resources. To ensure the effectiveness of collaborative efforts, careful attention should be paid to all the factors listed.

Factors Related to the Environment

History of collaboration or cooperation in the community.
Collaborative group seen as a leaders in the community.
Political/social climate favorable.

Factors Related to Membership Characteristics

Mutual respect, understanding, and trust.
Appropriate cross-section of members.
Members see collaboration as in their self-interest.
Ability to compromise.

Factors Related to Process/Structure

Members share a stake in both process and outcome.
Multiple layers of decision-making.
Flexibility
Development of clear roles and policy guidelines.
Adaptability

Factors Related to Communication

Open and frequent communication
Established informal and formal communication links.

Factors Related to Purpose

Concrete, attainable goals and objectives.
Shared vision.
Unique purpose.

Factors Related to Resources

Sufficient funds.
Skilled convener.

Collaboration: What Makes It Work, Paul Mattessich and Barbara Monsey. 1992 Amherst H. Wilder Foundation. Used with permission. For more information on Wilder Foundation publications contact books@wilder.org Fax (612) 642-2061