Describe at least two challenges to collaboration, as well as how to address these challenges.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

A correct answer should include a form of two of the following: (1) Turf issues may occur, when members of collaborations are concerned with getting credit or owning a particular domain for themselves. Organizations must trust one another and offer goodwill and cooperation. When turf battles occur, they should be addressed with ordinary problem-solving strategies—identify the problem, suggest solutions, choose one and carry it out; (2) It takes time and effort to reach a consensus in collaborations. Sometimes this results in slow or ineffective decision making. Engaging in a strategic planning process to establish a shared vision is a good way to combat this problem; (3) Limited resources may be an issue. Some partners will decide not to collaborate because they do not have the necessary resources to allow them to do so. Extramural funding can address this problem, or a looser connection between partners that does not involve sharing financial resources; (4) Some partners may have divergent views on the issues. It is important to remember to respect and hear one another’s views; (5) Human service organizations often experience budget cuts, or changes in administration. This may change the involvement in the collaboration. Collaborations must have sustained, committed membership. It is a good idea to collect written commitments from individuals, groups, and organizations involved. Also, guidelines should be established for governing terms of office and replacement of members.