Frustrations in Collaborative Working Insights from institutional theory

Qualitative evidence from an action research study is used to address the research question how can institutional context help explain frustrations within local collaborations? This study of multi-agency collaboration for local economic strategy in Ireland finds that individual and organization actions at a local level are substantially shaped along paths structured by funding and performance management arrangements of multiple central government departments. The article concludes that any calls for greater collaboration at a local level will produce limited effects without a simultaneous scrutiny of cross-boundary working at the centre.