Theoretical and applied perspectives on power: Recognizing processes that undermine effective community-university partnerships

June 23, 2015

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This paper analyzes how elements of power impact the negotiation of engagement in community-university partnerships. The first section provides a hypothetical example of an engagement situation, in order to contextualize the power challenges that confront community partners and faculty members. The second section uses the hypothetical example to illustrate how differentials in power and need influence the engaged relationship. The third section provides three applied strategies for managing differentials in power and need in order to develop mutually beneficial and reciprocal university-community partnerships.

Sandmann, L. R., & Kliewer, B. W. (2012). Theoretical and applied perspectives on power: Recognizing processes that undermine effective community-university partnerships. Journal of Community Engagement and Scholarship, 5(2). Full Text.