COMMUNITY COLLABORATIONS:

Many communities are now involved in collaborations in order to solve problems which no one group or organization can deal with by themselves. They find they must organize in a unique way that allows them to try to solve these problems on equal terms with the public, non-profit and private sectors. These unique collaborations are referred to in this article as network structures. Network structures require the use of different management styles and policy instruments than are used in more typical bureaucratic efforts. This article is based on a study of four community groups in the Los Angeles area which organized in such a way to try to improve conditions of families and children. Each of these collaborations highlights the impact of network structures on the ability to sustain effective collaborative efforts. In addition they point to new roles and changing relationships among government at all levels and those participants outside the government. They also highlight what participants, both inside and outside the public sector, will need to understand about how to organize and mange in these unique settings. Copyright 1999 by The Policy Studies Organization.