Interorganizational Collaboration in a Statewide Doctoral Program: A Lesson in the Construction of Meaning

Abstract

This article explores interorganizational collaboration using case study methodology. The study examines a statewide doctoral program for the preparation of educational leaders involving several public universities in a midwestern state. Building upon a theoretical framework focused on interorganizational relations (IORs), findings clustered around three themes are reported: (1) reasons for engaging in IORs, (2) factors that enhance or constrain collaboration, and (3) evidence of collaboration. The findings advance our understanding of reasons for creating an IOR and the nature of social processes that reflect collaborative relationships that occurred within it. The results of this study may be beneficial to those who seek to engage in similar collaborative efforts.

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