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Delegation of Coordination and Outcomes in Cross-Sector Partnerships

The Case of Service Learning Partnerships

University of Rhode Island

Dwight E. Giles, Jr

University of Massachusetts

Theodora C. Welch

University of Massachusetts

This article furthers knowledge on cross-sector partnerships. It distinguishes between partnerships that produce predefined outcomes and those that produce co-defined ones. Predefined outcomes are defined by one partner prior to the formation of the partnership and could have been attained easily with alternative partners. Co-defined outcomes are defined by partners in mutual consultation and tailored to the resources and goals of the participants. The article identifies delegation as a factor that crucially defines whether partnerships produce pre- or co-defined outcomes. Delegation occurs when there is a clear-cut division between coordination and participation so that staff members engaged as coordinators are otherwise disengaged from the partnership. Delegated partnerships—those with coordinators engaged only in coordinating duties—are likely to produce predefined outcomes whereas undelegated partnerships are likely to produce co-defined outcomes. The article builds on a grounded theory study of 11 service learning partnerships formed by institutions of higher education and community organizations.

Key Words: cross-sector partnerships • interorganizational relations • service learning • community—university partnerships

This version was published on June 1, 2009

Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Quarterly, Vol. 38, No. 3, 368-391 (2009)
DOI: 10.1177/0899764008316055


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