Relational Dynamics in Nonprofit Interorganizational Collaboration: The Role of Respect, Common Goals, and Communication

This study explores the complexities of interorganizational collaboration, particularly within nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), which often face interdependencies and tensions despite potential benefits. Existing research emphasizes shared goals, shared knowledge, and mutual respect, but may overlook hierarchical structures and power dynamics. The present study addresses this gap by investigating relational dynamics, including trust, conflict, inclusion, power, and leadership, in an NGO collaboration. The study highlights the unique challenges NGOs face due to their mission-driven approach, financial insecurity, and their small workforce that handles significant societal duties. Using an abductive thematic analysis of qualitative data from a Scandinavian nonprofit collaboration, this study examines how perceptions of respect, common goals, and communication influence relational dynamics across hierarchical levels. The findings contribute to our understanding of the interactive processes in interorganizational collaboration, offering insights applicable to comparable contexts while suggesting new research avenues on interorganizational collaboration.