| Author: | Chang Siu-wah |
| Title: | Inter-organizational collaboration : a case study of the concern group of small welfare agencies in Hong Kong |
| Advisors: | Tsui, Ming-sum (APSS) |
| Degree: | DSW |
| Year: | 2019 |
| Subject: | Hong Kong Polytechnic University -- Dissertations Interorganizational relations Social service -- China -- Hong Kong Social work administration |
| Department: | Department of Applied Social Sciences |
| Pages: | xxi, 275 pages : color illustrations |
| Language: | English |
| Abstract: | Inter-organizational collaboration is a multifaceted strategy applied in various areas. Studies on informal collaboration for agency capacity building are simply lacking in Hong Kong. This research addresses this gap by proposing a dynamic model not only to understand but also practice inter-organizational collaboration. The model has taken the subtleties of collaboration, especially those without concrete goals for service delivery, into due consideration. It also attempts to answer the significant question of how to sustain an alliance. Apart from increased understanding of the concepts, this study offers ample practice wisdom to those planning to partake in collaboration. Indigenization of knowledge of the subject matter is also done. Inter-organizational collaboration is a very dynamic and complicated process with the contributing factors intricately interwoven and constantly changing over time. A holistic understanding of the phenomenon requires integration of concepts of the three traditional theories: contingency theory, exchange theory and transaction cost theory. Formation and sustainability of this type of collective effort demands rigorous assessments of its level of performance and the combined impact of various variables upon its functioning, and the necessity of making amendments to its governance structure and operational system. All these evaluations have to be conducted by taking the time dimension, the concept of collectivity and the need for stability into consideration. Addition of a time dimension to the analytical framework of collaboration is desirable because degree of importance of the interrelated factors changes over time. The concept of collectivity but not individualism is crucial for operating collaboration effectively. Stability is enhancing to perpetuation of the culture of altruism, acceptance and respect which is one of the two crucial factors to collaboration found in this study. Human factors are the other one. Results of this research show that among all the contributing factors for sustainability discussed in Western studies, only the loss of autonomy is the most important factor to a partner's decision to withdraw from an alliance. Other factors, like effective operational systems and trust and friendship, are relatively not so determining. These factors may affect partners' degree of involvement but not to an extent that the partners choose to leave the alliance. In fact, the contextual and intra-organizational factors are crucial for both formation and sustainability of an alliance. Moreover, significance of the individual factor will decrease in light of the contextual (external environment), intra-organizational (small NGOs' difficulties) and inter-organizational (success – mutual support and empowerment) factors. This research fills the knowledge gaps through a case study of the Concern Group of Small Welfare Agencies (the Concern Group) in Hong Kong. Currently, the Group has approximately thirty member-agencies receiving government subventions. The researcher is the founder and has been the Convener of the Concern Group for 20 years. This special role of being an insider gives her some advantages in conducting this research. A significant merit is the informants' trust in the researcher. It is because this study inevitably touches on sensitive information of individual member agencies and their official representatives. Such trust in the researcher makes this research feasible. Mixed methods of data collection, which enable convergence of diversified evidence, are applied. Various measures, such as member checking and peer review, are taken to ensure trustworthiness of this study. The researcher reflects much upon her leadership style as the convener of the Concern Group. She is also greatly amazed by the members' trust and friendship which can transcend organizational boundaries. |
| Rights: | All rights reserved |
| Access: | restricted access |
Files in This Item:
| File | Description | Size | Format | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 991022346056503411.pdf | For All Users (off-campus access for PolyU Staff & Students only) | 2.04 MB | Adobe PDF | View/Open |
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