Defining Factors of Successful University-Based Community Initiatives: An Ethnographic Exploration of One University-Community Collaboration

Revision with unchanged content. Whether in business, academia, or in the public sector, solving the increa-singly complex problems we face today requires collaboration. There is tremendous potential to identify and solve community and social issues when universities work hand-in-hand with community organizations. However, the constitution of these collaborations has incredible impact on the process and outcomes of any project. This monograph reviews what is known about university-community collaborations. Then, using ethnographic methods, it explores one such project in-depth through the eyes of key stakeholders and participants. The result is a compelling model that suggests specific defining factors and refining characteristics that facilitate the successful outcome of these projects. Further, it discusses the implications for and makes recom-mendations to university personnel, community stakeholders, and funding agencies. The model may provide as much an appropriate reference for busi-ness leaders involved in joint ventures as it guides university faculty and staff in their community outreach and engagement work.