Schuman (Center for Policy Research, U. at Albany, SUNY) assembles 21 essays by an international group of practitioners and researchers on how to create a culture of collaboration in organizations, and fundamental values, principles, and beliefs. Leaders discuss their experiences in collaborative organizations, some based in Chile and Northern Ireland. Others describe practical approaches and processes, followed by case studies on school systems, public agencies, policy, and higher education. The book is aimed at group facilitators, organization development practitioners, and public participation specialists. Indexes are divided by names and subjects. Annotation ©2006 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Collaboration is often viewed as a one-time or project-oriented activity. An increasing challenge is to help organizations incorporate collaborative values and practices in their everyday ways of working. In "Creating a Culture of Collaboration," an international group of practitioners and researchers-from Australia, Belgium, Canada, Chile, New Zealand, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom, and the United States-provide proven approaches to creating a culture of collaboration within and among groups, organizations, communities, and societies.

Collaboration is often viewed as a one-time or project-oriented activity. An increasing challenge is to help organizations incorporate collaborative values and practices in their everyday ways of working. In Creating a Culture of Collaboration, an international group of practitioners and researchers–from Australia, Belgium, Canada, Chile, New Zealand, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom, and the United States–provide proven approaches to creating a culture of collaboration within and among groups, organizations, communities, and societies.

Praise for "Creating a Culture of Collaboration"

"Corporate executives, governmental policy makers, union leaders– anyone who finds collaboration essential for dealing with the complexity and high interdependence of the global economy– will benefit from "Creating a Culture of Collaboration." So will researchers and consultants developing models of cooperation and facilitating decision-making communications, for this book combines the best and most current thinking on how to sustain collaborative relationships in and between organizations for lasting results."

— Alan T. Belasen, chair, MBA program, and professor of management, Empire State College, SUNY; author, Leading the Learning Organization

"The greatest strength of "Creating a Culture of Collaboration" lies in the diversity of its authors and their approaches to building organizations and societies that allow the widest participation possible. Rather than closing the doors and allowing only limited voices to be heard, this book champions a vision of a world in which everyone has something significant to contribute."

— David A. Hart, chief executive officer, Association for Conflict Resolution

"A great overview of the joys and challenges of building collaboration within organizations and creating opportunities for collaboration between civic society and governmental decision makers. This book has equal value for people concerned with organizational transformation and public participation."

— James L. Creighton, public participation consultant and founding president, the International Association for Public Participation; author, "The Public Participation Handbook"

"CorporateAmerica is coming to realize that singularly, we're stupid– but collectively, we're smart! Collaboration remains the key strategy for successfully competing in a global economy."

— Kenny Moore, coauthor, "The CEO and the Monk"

"With its rich harvest of international examples, its frank discussion of the nitty-gritty of collaboration, and its penetrating theoretical insights into the nature of collaboration, "Creating a Culture of Collaboration" ought to be read by any leader who is interested in managing collaboratively."

— Steve Denning, author, "The Leader's Guide to Storytelling"

"In this outstanding state-of-the-art resource, thirty-seven seasoned practitioners from around the world offer their insights on the deeper contextual issues that need to be addressed for collaboration to be embraced by any community. A must-read for advocates, leaders, and practitioners of collaboration in the private, public, and nonprofit sectors."

— Susan Carpenter, practitioner and trainer; coauthor, "Managing Public Disputes"