TITLE A Phenomenological Study of Collaboration between a Community

This doctoral thesis is a study of the process of collaboration between Southwestern Oregon Community College and four selected social service agencies in southern Oregon for the purpose of developing an integrative social service and education delivery system called the One-Stop Center. Particular focus is on the interpersonal dynamics among the key stakeholders involved in a collaborative partnership. A qualitative methodology was used in order to study the personal experience of collaboration. In-depth interviews were conduced with a participant representing each of the collaborating organizations. A profile of each participant's experience was then developed from the interview data, and themes were synthesized from the profiles. Common themes included sharing a culture of helping; feelings of frustration with the current social service and education system; having a sense of readiness to change; working through the process; and building and sustaining a relationship. Conclusions include the need for participants in collaboration to have time to be together, to build a relationship through the development of trust and respect, and to commit to a common goal or vision that will sustain them through difficult times.. (Contains.2 figures and 50 references.) (CB) Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document