Differences in socialization and operation
Professions and institutions have different "cultures" and different socialization processes. When there isn't a common background shared by partners in a family literacy project -- the same education, experience, professional training, or agency structure -- partners may disagree on what constitutes "at risk," or on the best form of intervention. They may have very different approaches to decision making, lack team work skills, or disagree on how the partnership should be structured. They may also have very different performance expectations. If there are both case-oriented services and program-oriented services involved in the partnership, they may have distinctly different priorities and viewpoints. (Fargason 1994, Mitchell and Scott 1993)

Some agencies may have a child- or adult-focused approach to service delivery, and may find it difficult to adopt a family-centred approach (Boavida and Borges 1994).

Some community partners observed that they had experienced the attitude that professionals are the only ones with knowledge, or that it was hard to convince other professionals that we need to work together. Others said that they sometimes perceived the attitude that only teachers can provide a learning experience.

Institutional barriers
Institutional barriers to partnerships can include viewing family literacy as not fitting in an agency's mandate (which often has serious implications for funding), requiring excessive evidence and support for involvement, and having numerous levels of authorization required for decision making.

Change and uncertainty
Change and uncertainly can negatively affect both agencies and individuals . When an agency is in the midst of change or reorganization, it can be difficult to obtain commitment to a partnership, or to involve that agency in planning and program development. If individuals are uncertain of whether their positions are going to continue, or if contracts are going to be renewed, they may not place a great deal of importance on an external partnership, or may be reluctant to take on tasks and responsibilities.