Exploring Proxy Measures of Mutuality for Strategic Partnership Development A Case Study

• Published in: Health promotion practice Vol. 18; no. 4; pp. 598 - 606
• Main Authors: Mayo-Gamble, Tilicia L., Barnes, Priscilla A., Sherwood-Laughlin, Catherine M., Reece, Michael, DeWeese, Sandy, Kennedy, Carol Weiss, Valenta, Mary Ann
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Los Angeles, CA Sage Publications, Inc 01.07.2017; SAGE Publications; SAGE PUBLICATIONS, INC
• Subjects: Alliances; Capacity Building - organization & administration; Case reports; Collaboration; Colleges & universities; Cooperative Behavior; Development and Evaluation of Partnerships; Education, Public Health Professional - organization & administration; Health care delivery; Health care industry; Health education; Health promotion; Health status; Hospital Administration; Human capital; Humans; Interinstitutional Relations; Mutuality; Organizational Case Studies; Organizational Objectives; Partnerships; Policy; Public health; Respondents; United States > US; proxy measures; mutuality; partnership; academic–clinical partnership
• DOI: 10.1177/1524839917704211
• ISSN: 1524-8399

Partnerships between academic and clinical-based health organizations are becoming increasingly important in improving health outcomes. Mutuality is recognized as a vital component of these partnerships. If partnerships are to achieve mutuality, there is a need to define what it means to partnering organizations. Few studies have described the elements contributing to mutuality, particularly in new relationships between academic and clinical partners. This study seeks to identify how mutuality is expressed and to explore potential proxy measures of mutuality for an alliance consisting of a hospital system and a School of Public Health. Key informant interviews were conducted with faculty and hospital representatives serving on the partnership steering committee. Key informants were asked about perceived events that led to the development of the Alliance; perceived goals, expectations, and outcomes; and current/future roles with the Alliance. Four proxy measures of mutuality for an academic–clinical partnership were identified: policy directives, community beneficence, procurement of human capital, and partnership longevity. Findings can inform the development of tools for assisting in strengthening relationships and ensuring stakeholders’ interests align with the mission and goal of the partnership by operationalizing elements necessary to evaluate the progress of the partnership.