Across the United States, diverse groups are turning away from confrontation and toward collaboration in an attempt to tackle some of our nation's most intractable environmental problems. Government agencies, community groups, businesses, and private individuals have begun working together to solve common problems, resolve conflicts, and develop forward-thinking strategies for moving in a more sustainable direction.
Making Collaboration Work examines those promising efforts. With a decade of research behind them, the authors offer an invaluable set of lessons on the role of collaboration in natural resource management and how to make it work. The book:
explains why collaboration is an essential component of resource management
describes barriers that must be understood and overcome
presents eight themes that characterize successful efforts
details the specific ways that groups can use those themes to achieve success
provides advice on how to ensure accountability
Drawing on lessons from nearly two hundred cases from around the country, the authors describe the experience in practical terms and offer specific advice for agencies and individuals interested in pursuing a collaborative approach. The images of success offered can provide ideas to those mired in traditional management styles and empower those seeking new approaches. While many of the examples involve natural resource professionals, the lessons hold true in a variety of public policy settings including public health, social services, and environmental protection, among others.
Making Collaboration Work will be an invaluable source of ideas and inspiration for policy makers, managers and staff of government agencies and nongovernmental organizations, and community groups searching for more productive modes of interaction.
Contents
Preface
PART I. The Promise and Challenge of Collaboration in Resource Management
Chapter 1. Building Bridges, To a Sustainable Future
Chapter 2. Why Collaboration?
Chapter 3. The Challenge of Collaboration
PART II. Lessons from a Decade of People Working Together
Chapter 4. Building on Common Ground
Chapter 5. Creating New Opportunities for Interaction
Chapter 6. Crafting Meaningful, Effective, and Enduring Processes
Chapter 7. Focusing on the Problem in New and Different Ways
Chapter 8. Fostering a Sense of Responsibility and Commitment
Chapter 9. Partnerships Are People
Chapter 10. A Proactive and Entrepreneurial Approach
Chapter 11. Getting Help, Giving Help
PART III. Getting Started
Chapter 12. A Primer for Agencies
Chapter 13. Ensuring Accountability
Chapter 14. A Message to Individuals
