What is scalability and what are coalitions? In business, scalability involves expansion and revenue growth while limiting operational costs. In ministry settings, scalability could involve both physical and spiritual growth. Coalitions, unlike alliances, are short-term groupings of rival entities who share a common aim. Generally, coalitions do not involve meetings of the minds or sharing of resources. “Collaboration at Scale: Leading Coalitions” examines the potential and complexity of large-scale collaborative efforts, and evaluates how to lead them effectively. Students will discover the characteristics, conditions, and dynamics of various coalitions.
Scalability allows for expansion within organizations. An understanding of skills necessary to lead a large-scale collaborative effort is critical in today's fast-moving world.
Leading boundary-spanning coalitions is essential in an interconnected 21st century. Conditions for making a collective impact through coalitions will be identified.
Collaborating or working together with colleagues can be challenging. Conflict is even more likely among coalitions consisting of rivals. Building relationships and loving enemies, while fraught with difficulties, is biblical.
Coalitions consist of individuals (often with their own self-interests in mind) working with others in joint action to fulfill a common cause. Aligning coalitions to work under God's plan and his mission in this world will result in true transformation.
Students will apply a collaboration at scale specific to their own domain's context, such as business, religion, politics, or nonprofit.
Individualistic and separatist cultures make working together challenging, if not almost impossible. Students will identify ways in which cultural differences can impact leading a coalition.
Using a balance of theory and practice, students will identify ways in which cultural differences can impact leading a coalition.
Students will engage in collaboration at scale through activities, group projects, and networking events related to leading coalitions.
