Common interest, common good: creating value through business and social sector partnerships

Abstract

Business firms and non-profit organizations are increasingly collaborating. Such collaborations promise substantial mutual benefits as business firms realize the extent to which their profits depend on a healthy environment and social entrepreneurs begin to appreciate how applying business principles can enable them to fulfill their missions more effectively. Nevertheless, for the benefits of crosssector partnerships to be achieved, each partner must have a realistic understanding of both the challenges and potential pitfalls of their relationship.