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.

Working Across Boundaries is a practical guide for nonprofitand government professionals who want to learn the techniques andstrategies of successful collaboration. Written by Russell M.Linden, one of the most widely recognized experts in organizationalchange, this no nonsense book shows how to make collaboration workin the real world. It offers practitioners a framework fordeveloping collaborative relationships and shows them how to adoptstrategies that have proven to be successful with a wide range oforganizations. Filled with in-depth case studies--including aparticularly challenging case in which police officers and socialworkers overcome the inherent differences in their cultures to helpabused children--the book clearly shows how organizations havedealt with the hard issues of collaboration. Working AcrossBoundaries includes Information on how to select potential partners Guidelines for determining what kinds of projects lendthemselves to collaboration and which do not Suggestions on how to avoid common pitfalls ofcollaboration Strategies proven to work consistently The phases most collaborative projects go through The nature of collaborative leadership