Collaboration, efficiency & social work practice

This research explores the common assumption that collaborations lead to efficiency of\ud service delivery. Agencies working together produce a myriad of outcomes, none of\ud which may translate into improved services for clients. This study was conducted using\ud 13 in-depth interviews of key informants from 9 different agencies. This study\ud qualitatively examines collaborations perceived benefits, challenges, accountability and\ud tracking methods, strengthening mechanisms, and techniques for balancing expectations\ud in order to gain a deeper insight into collaboration practice and characteristics that\ud facilitate and hinder efficient service delivery. This research will add to the relatively\ud small body of empirical studies which have focused on evaluating the strength of\ud collaboration, but not the link to efficiency of service delivery. With careful examination,\ud other organizations and policy makers will be able to use this research to analyze ways to further strengthen their own collaborative efforts and policies that support collaboration. Understanding relationships and the variables that effect collaboration can ultimately impact the role social work practitioner???s play in being able to better serve communities and further strengthen social justice competencies