Collaboration vs Partnership: Getting it Right
Community Networks • September 10, 2025
Kia ora,
Ahh, such positive and reaffirming words. collaboration and partnership, and how much we all wish these things would work well. I do however think of these two words as two different things.
Collaboration is where one entity works closely with another entity to achieve a goal, whereas partnership seems more like when two entities join together to achieve a goal.
What is necessary for either to work? Well firstly, both entities want to work together. This will never work if one or other of those groups does not want to be there. Therein is a problem when an external funder or force demands that they work together to (for example) access funding for the project or prove that they are able to collaborate.
Before 2 of us need to collaborate, there are some very important essentials we need to check off.
- Firstly, we need a foundation of trust and respect between us. Even if distrust is unspoken, you can be sure that a some point there will be problems between us. Because of this we also need;
- The ability to adapt. We need to value diverse ideas, and check that we can all collectively solve disagreements.
- We also need to have strong skills in communication so we can navigate conflicts successfully.
- Finally, it is really important that both groups operate by similar values.
Why is collaboration important? That’s because collaboration can lead to improved communication and increased productivity. Without showing off too much, that’s how I and my team of Paddy and Dan get so much done together. As a collaborating team we really rock. This is precious and special, because normally it is rare and when it works, it really works.
Partnership is another story. Some things must be truly mutually shared. Everyone needs to establish clear roles and responsibilities. However, we also need
- Financial transparency
- Flexibility and
- A shared commitment to the partnership’s success.
Make sure you do your research well before you enter a partnership. A partnership usually is more formal, long-term, and legal. The partners share the risks, responsibilities, and rewards therefore it is a deeper relationship. Partnerships often involve cash decisions, so be very very careful about who you partner with, and make sure you have a lot of legal advice.
A more harmonious way to go forward is usually a collaboration, but whichever way you go, in fact the better way to go if you run an NGO, is with great care, and a lot of conversation with your ‘other’ organisation to cover problems. Good luck. I’m extremely lucky that my collaboration with the two amazing guys who work with me, is a great success. Hold on a minute! Is that Patrick yelling swear words and heading down the corridor? Come back, come back Patrick, we can work it out!!
Ngā mihi nui,
Ros Rice, Executive Officer.
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