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Understanding Collaboration: Key Elements and Challenges in Achieving Common Goals

Collaboration is a vital process where groups with differing perspectives constructively engage to explore solutions that transcend their limitations. It involves shared responsibility and authority among stakeholders working toward common goals. Successful collaboration requires open communication, strong leadership, a shared purpose, and the ability to navigate challenges such as power disparities and conflicting interests. This document explores the theory of collaboration, necessary requirements, potential difficulties, and real-world case studies, particularly in the context of New Zealand's advocacy and service delivery.

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Understanding Collaboration: Key Elements and Challenges in Achieving Common Goals

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  1. Working Collaboratively 11 March 2013

  2. COLLABORATION – What is it? • A process through which parties who see different aspects of a problem can constructively explore their differences and search for solutions that go beyond their own limitations for what is possible. Barbara Gray

  3. COLLABORATION – What is it? • A mutually beneficial relationship between two or more parties who work towards common goals by sharing responsibility, authority and accountability for achieving results David Chrislip and Carl Larson

  4. THE THEORY • Best when the need and intent are to change fundamentally the way services are designed and delivered • Democratic and inclusive • Commitment and involvement of leaders • Interdependent stakeholders • Clear understanding of respective goals of other participants • Common good takes precedence over individual interests

  5. What’s Required? • Shared purpose - Not common interest • Collectively articulated goal / vision • Open and clear communication • Positive political climate (community/networks) • Catalysts

  6. Common Ground • Vulnerable children • Focus on front-line services • NZ Disability strategy • UN Conventions • Value for money • Investment vs cost • Never enough money

  7. What is Required? • Interdependent and participative decision making • Leadership (facilitative not power) • Resources • Commitment • Research • Understanding of end-game (not quick win)

  8. Potential Difficulties • Vested interests – “bumpy transition” • Disparity of power and/or resources • Problems not well- defined • Differing levels of expertise • Technical complexity gets in the way • Hanging on to existing (unsatisfactory) processes • Unilateral efforts produce less that satisfactory solutions

  9. Diversity and Common Purpose • Most groups have a particular focus • Challenges of funding and differing views mean that collaboration can be hard • Policy decisions can cause conflict • Differing accountabilities • Urgency of need for change • Understanding common ground is vital

  10. In New Zealand • Advocacy groups such as DPA, Disability Support Network, Carer’s Alliance • Every Child Counts /Strengthening Families • Cross Party Discussion!! • Waitakere Wellbeing Collaboration Process

  11. Case Study • Back Office collaboration • Premises • Agreement in principle • Shared list of requirements to ensure compatibility • Office Managers met to agree sites and view • CE’s of both organisations supportive

  12. Case Study • Issues arose • Budget differences • Timing • Not clear about other shared services • Key issue open plan vs offices • Didn’t happen!!

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