Working Across Organisations Lecture 3 What models help us to understand collaborative practice?

Working Across OrganisationsLecture 3

What models help usto understand collaborativepractice?


Objectives for this session:

• To outline two different theories - systems theory and social exchange theory- to support individuals in analysing and understanding the context of practice;

• To reflect on the implications of these theories for personal and professional practice;

• To outline a model of collaboration that assists both the practice and analysis of collaborative practice.


Systems theory – evolved from mechanical

and biological theory.

All organisms are systems, composed ofsubsystems and are in turn part of supersystems, e.g. cars and ants!

“…something that maintains its existence and functions as a whole through the

interaction of its parts” (O’Conner and McDermott, 1997: 24).


Concepts about the structures of systems:Systems are entities boundaries within which physical and mental energy are exchanged internally more than they

are across boundaries; Closed systems have no interchange cross

the boundaries;Open systems occur where energy

crosses the boundaries, which are permeable.


Input – energy being fed into the system –general and specific elements. Transformation - how the energy is usedwithin the system. Outputs – effect on the environment ofenergy passed out through the boundaries ofa system.Feedback – information and energy passed

tothe system system across the boundaries.


Emphasis is on a social focus rather than on anindividual perspective.

Think about the social and personal elements inany social situations

Elements interact with each other to integrateinto a “whole”.

Important principles and ideas that can be appliedto collaborative practice and to organisations.


What is its relevant in systemstheory to collaboration?1. Interaction and interdependence. 2. ‘Energy’ in the form of

information.3. Resources and services.4. Interdependence of wholes


Social Exchange theory –a relationshipmaintenance theory, which looks at howpeople arrive at their decisions inrelationships.

Strong element of reciprocity, a calculation

of return; there is some element of selfinterest in all instances of social exchangeand the incurring of obligation or indebtedness.


Social Exchange theory explains how we feel

about a relationship with another person as

depending on our perceptions of:

• Cost-benefit analysis • Power differences • The negotiation of expectations• Understanding of the roles and responsibilities • The kind of relationship we deserve • The chances of having a better relationship with

someone else


• Social exchanges are characterized by interdependence;

• Social exchanges are regulated by norms;

• Trust and commitment result from theemergent experiences;


A Model of Collaboration (Whittington, 2003)Five interconnected spheres 1. Service users and carers; 2. Personal;3. Professional;4. Team;5. Organisational .

“SUPPORT”


Concepts drawn from the theories and

the model outlined:

• Attitude • Knowledge • Skills


“… (collaboration) depends on a sufficient perception of what is necessary, and what is to be

gained……the crucial perception for interagency and

interprofessional collaboration is the recognition of interdependence

…” (Loxley, 1997:41)


ReferencesAbrams, P and Bulmer, M. (1986) "Neighbours, the work of Philip Abrams",Cambridge: Cambridge University PressBeresford, P. (2002) “Making User Involvement Real” Professional Social

Work,June, 16 –17.Department of Health (2001) National Service Framework for Older People,London: Stationery Office.Loxley, A. (1997) Collaboration in Health and Welfare, London: Jessica

Kingsley.O’Conner, J. and McDermott, I. (1997) The Art of Systems Thinking London: ThorsenScott J (1992) "Social Network Analysis", London: Sage Travers, J. and Milgram, S. (1969) An experimental study of the smallworld problem. Sociometry, 32, 425–443.Whittington, C. (2003) A Model of Collaboration, In Weinstein, J.,Whittington, C. and Leiba, T. (eds.) (2003) Collaboration in Social WorkPractice, London: Jessica Kingsley.

Working Across Organisations Lecture 3 What models help us to understand collaborative practice?

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