Collaboration in action: An uncertain process

This article offers a framework of necessary conditions for getting to coll aboration. A process model is presented that identifies both the conditions and steps under which people can understand their interdependence and what collaboration entails. Based on an analysis of several successful and fail ed case studies in different policy contexts, the article integrates real-l ife examples to illustrate the complexities practitioners face as they navi gate through the often fragile and tedious process of collaboration. The ar ticle concludes by offering several theoretical propositions leading to tes table hypotheses that may be useful in choosing an appropriate resolution s trategy. It includes implications for theory building and for practice. (C) 2001 by The Haworth Press, Inc. All rights reserved.