Cross-sector social partnerships: a qualitative research study of partnership governance

Globalization has had a tremendous impact on society. While creating opportunity for corporations to expand into new markets, globalization has also created significant negative repercussions to the environment, human rights, health, and education (Reece, 2001). In the past twenty-five years Cross-Sector Social Partnerships (CSSPs) have emerged as a possible solution to the negative impacts from globalization with mixed results (Nidumolu, Ellison, Whalen, & Billman, 2014) Although there are inherent challenges, the case for corporations and the public sector to continue to work together is compelling. By contributing their technical expertise and financial resources, companies can leverage the public sector’s experience, knowledge networks, know-how and legitimacy to begin addressing large-scale global issues that directly impact society as well as their businesses. This study gathered data from interviewing nine participants. Interview questions were designed to answer the primary research question: Are there consistent best practices in CSSP governance? Findings from the study identified three best practices: formal governance, strategy, and stakeholder management. Additionally a CSSP Governance Framework was defined consisting of three categories: structure and processes, relationships, and governance dynamics. The result of the study is a flexible and adaptable framework for CSSPs that integrate the use of governance as one tool that increases the likelihood of positive partnership outcomes