The book describes how "collaboration," a method for solving shared problems and resolving conflicts, can be used to help organizations join forces, pool information, and reach mutually satisfying long-term agreements. The discussion explains why this approach is critical as organizations become increasingly interdependent and undergo rapid change both internally and externally. Case studies demonstrate how collaboration can be successfully applied to solve problems of wide-ranging scope and complexity. Key steps are outlined for undertaking a successful collaborative effort: exploring how to get parties together to define the problem, establish an agenda, and implement a solution. The book illustrates how these steps have been used in a variety of settings to produce lasting solutions. Other issues addressed are when not to collaborate, how to ensure compliance with agreements, and how to determine the mediator's role, which includes how the mediator contributes to successful collaboration. 375 references, name index, subject index. (Publisher summary modified)