What individual and organizational competencies facilitate effective collaboration? Findings from a collaborative governance simulation

ABSTRACT

This study seeks to elicit insights on the individual and organizational competencies associated with effective collaboration. Specifically, the authors gathered grounded insights on collaborative competencies from undergraduate students enrolled in an introductory public affairs course at a research-intensive, Midwestern university—following student participation in an interactive and replicable simulation designed according to Ansell and Gash’s “collaborative governance” framework. Results indicate that respondents associated being open-minded, strategic, respectful, an effective communicator, and patient with individual competencies; whereas compromise, teamwork, and trustworthiness were identified as organizational characteristics. Findings also highlight the educational value of simulations and related experiential- and active-learning techniques in elevating the knowledge, skills, abilities, and confidence of students in relation to practices integral to public service delivery, such as collaboration.

KEYWORDS:

• Collaboration
• public management
• simulations

Notes

1. Each team was provided with one placard labeled with their team number. To vote, one member (who was selected by their teammates) would raise their team’s placard and displayed it until votes were tabulated by the facilitator.

2. Although the order in which selections were made for match-ups in the same round was inconsequential.

3. Time extensions were not permitted once the countdown clock started at the beginning of at-large deliberations. The facilitator would provide time updates as requested.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Cullen C. Merritt

Cullen C. Merritt is assistant professor in the School of Public and Environmental Affairs at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis. His research focuses on the structure, design, and management of organizations.

Deirdre C. Kelley

Deirdre C. Kelley is undergraduate Honors student in the public affairs program at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis. She is interested in public/private and bipartisan collaboration and citizen-focused policy making at the state level.