Unpacking Inter-organizational Collaboration in Associative Sectors: Insights From Action Research

Organizations today face complex, multidimensional challenges requiring collaborative approaches to address shared societal issues. This study explores inter-organizational collaboration within the third-sector voluntary organization field, specifically Italian Patient Advocacy Associations (PAAs), emphasizing the transition from competitive to collaborative dynamics. Through a year-long action research process, we examine and discuss how psychosocial and organizational dynamics enable innovative collective responses and effective collaboration. Specifically, the paper focuses on forming identity awareness, managing diversities and conflict, managing boundaries, structuring and managing shared projects. By fostering trust and shared projects, PAAs can leverage collaboration to overcome resource constraints and amplify advocacy impact. The discussion also analyzes the dynamic role of the researcher, showcasing how adopting different functions to guide the evolutionary process is critical. The findings contribute to understanding inter-organizational processes, offering practical insights to enhance collaboration in third-sector organizations.