Doing homework by consulting newspaper files, and interviewing organizational representatives and residents can be good sources of basic information. It also can suggest future avenues of positive involvement for some members. Still, they can be a potential disadvantage when consensus needs to be reached. Between-meeting communication before a proposed action with major parties helps avoid surprises and helps make meetings more productive.6 Structured subgroups may eliminate the disadvantage of limited interaction time between members of large groups who might need more clarification of points. Effective listening and speaking skills will eliminate misunderstandings.
Organizational relationships are complex.
We can almost never know all we need to know at the time a decision must be made. When working in coalitions or collaborations, differences in the goals, resources or fields of activity may arise between members. In a well-planned effort, the clarity of goals and benefits, open communication and a forum for discussion of differences can be the glue that holds things together and keeps momentum going. Substantive refers to conflicts primarily related to task. Affective conflicts relate to socio-emotional or interpersonal relations.