The story behind the story of collaborative networks -- relationships do matter!

This study reports data about the real story behind the current trend of mandated interorganizational collaboration of health and human service agencies. By means of qualitative design (N-22), public health managers were interviewed about the extent and nature of their collaborative efforts in the Healthy Babies, Healthy Children (HBHC) Program in Ontario, Canada. Using a conceptual framework of resource exchange theory, this study found that relational processes specifically: (a) previous relationships with other agencies and (b) interpersonal relations namely: informality, local community, open communication and resolving conflicts were the reasons for successful collaborations. Implications are directed toward: health and social planners, administrators, board members, funding bodies and policy-makers. The study offers new knowledge about a subject which has received minimal attention in the literature.