Determining Levels of Involvement

Resource Source:

CAPT

This table describes four ways in which organizations can work together: networking, cooperation, coordination, and collaboration.

There are may different ways in which organizations can work together. Some arrangements are more informal while others may involve a contract or memorandum of understanding. Organizations also have varied reasons for working with others. These reasons can influence the type of partnership established.

The following table describes four tiers of partnerships: networking, cooperation, coordination, and collaboration. One tier is not necessarily "better" than another; the best type of partnership is the one that is the best fit, given what the organization hopes to achieve.

Level	Purpose	Structure	Process	Examples
Networking	Provide dialogue and common understanding Create clearinghouse for information Create base of support	Non-hierarchical Loose/flexible link Roles are loosely defined Community action is primary link among members	Low-key leadership Minimal decision-making Little conflict Informal communication	Sharing what various organizations are doing during an interagency networking meeting, talking about community issues in which they all have a stake, or communicating with other organizations about existing programs, activities, or services.
Cooperation	Match needs and provide coordination Limit duplication of services Ensure that tasks are done	Central team acts as communication hub Semi-formal links Roles are somewhat defined Links are advisory Group leverages/raises money	Leaders who facilitate Complex decision-making Some conflict Formal communication within the central team	Partners publicize eachothers' programs in organization newsletters, write letters in support of eachothers' grant applications, co-sponsor trainings or professional development activities, or exchange resources such as printing or meeting space.
Coordination	Share resources to address common issues Merge resource base to create something new	Central team consists of decision-makers Roles are defined Links are formalized Team develops new resources and joint budget	Autonomous leadership focused on issue Central and subgroup decision making Frequent and clear communication	Serving together on event planning committees or community boards, or implementing programs or services together.
Collaboration	Accomplish shared vision and impact benchmarks Build interdependent system to address issues and opportunities	Consensus is used in shared decision- making Roles, time, and evaluation are formalized Links are formal and written into agreements	High leadership, trust level, and productivity Ideas and decisions equally shared Highly developed communication	Formal agreements between participating organizations, including memoranda of understanding or formal contracts, developing common data-collection systems across organizations and community sectors, partnering on joint fundraising efforts, pooling fiscal or human resources, or creating common workforce training systems.

Developed under the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) Center for the Application of Prevention Technologies contract. Reference #HHSS277200800004C. For training and/or technical assistance purposes only.