A third approach to understanding partnership development is to look at the key dimensions of the group dynamics within the partnership process. Schulz, Israel and Lantz (2003) have developed an instrument for evaluating the dimensions of group dynamics within community-based participatory research partnerships. Although the use and application of this evaluation instrument is beyond the scope of the project, the guiding framework for the development of the tool will be used to shed some light on our findings. Figure 3 shows the characteristics of effective groups within the context of assessing coalitions and partnerships.
This figure is based on the idea that partnership objectives depend on the effectiveness of the group in using its individual and collective resources to reach its goals and to satisfy the needs of group members.