A coalition is a group of actors that coordinate their behavior in a limited and temporary fashion to achieve a common goal. Coalitions are found at the political, social and economic levels. They are studied in the fields of politics, international relations and public administration, among others.
The first step in building a coalition is strategy development. It is important that the parties that want to form a coalition put enough time and effort into this stage. This can help them identify strategic partners, make better decisions during negotiations and avoid common mistakes that can lead to failed coalitions.
Once the strategy has been agreed upon, parties will enter into negotiations. These can be secret or open, depending on the context and objectives of the coalition. The process of negotiation can be lengthy, complex and difficult to navigate. Parties should consider the risks and benefits of the coalition before making a final decision on whether to move forward with it or not.
During this stage, the parties need to agree on the terms of the coalition agreement. This includes establishing clear roles and responsibilities, clarifying communication channels and defining a timeline for the work to be done. The parties should also consider how the agreement will be presented to the public.
When groups unite as a coalition, their ability to achieve change increases. This is because they can increase available resources. The activities of a coalition are likely to receive more attention in the media than those of individual groups. For example, when teens are abusing drugs in a school community, prevention specialists in schools can join forces with community-based coalitions to find solutions that address the issue as a whole.
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