Structurally, all members are involved in the decision-making. A coalition also develops new resources and a joint budget. Process is done through shared leadership. Decision-making is formal with all members and communication is common and prioritized. It is geared to build an interdependent system to address issues and opportunities.
Process involves high levels of leadership, high trust level, and high productivity.
Ideas and decisions are equally shared and there is highly developed communication. The above defines five levels of relationships ranging from the relatively simple network to the very complex collaboration. Keeping the differences in mind among the various levels will help provide focus and clarity among groups and individuals when undertaking a new community project. Harriett Moyer is an Extension Sociologist and professor in the Center for Community Economic Development, University of Wisconsin-Extension, Madison, Wisconsin. University of Wisconsin-Extension, Center for Community Economic Development, all rights reserved.