The Power of Collaboration

Intersectoral groups are often formed with the
intention of collaborating as equal partners to
create desired changes within communities. The
research described in this book explores
decision-making power as experienced by members of a
provincial working group as they engage in the
occupation of enabling change in housing systems and
policies for individuals with serious and persistent
mental illness. Qualitative methods and a single-case
study design were utilized. Eight members of the
working group participated as respondents in the
study. Data were collected through individual
interviews, focus groups, document review, and the
researcher s reflective journal. The findings
highlighted the strength and power of a small
collaboration of stakeholders to enable change. The
power differentials between service providers and
consumers within the group, and the impact of the
systemic environment on the group processes were
illustrated in the findings. The thesis concludes
with a discussion of the implications for
occupational therapy education and practice, and
recommendations for future research regarding the
concept of decision-making power within community
organizations.

Autorentext

Mari C. Basiletti,M.Sc.,O.T.Reg.PEI: Received her
post-professional Master of Science degree in Occupational
Therapy from Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. She is
presently supervisor of Rehabilitation Services at Hillsborough
Hospital in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada.

Klappentext

Intersectoral groups are often formed with the
intention of collaborating as equal partners to
create desired changes within communities. The
research described in this book explores
decision-making power as experienced by members of a
provincial working group as they engage in the
occupation of enabling change in housing systems and
policies for individuals with serious and persistent
mental illness. Qualitative methods and a single-case
study design were utilized. Eight members of the
working group participated as respondents in the
study. Data were collected through individual
interviews, focus groups, document review, and the
researcher's reflective journal. The findings
highlighted the strength and power of a small
collaboration of stakeholders to enable change. The
power differentials between service providers and
consumers within the group, and the impact of the
systemic environment on the group processes were
illustrated in the findings. The thesis concludes
with a discussion of the implications for
occupational therapy education and practice, and
recommendations for future research regarding the
concept of decision-making power within community
organizations.