Using relational dialectics to address differences in community-campus partnerships

June 23, 2015

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Relational dialectics can be used as a framework to approach tensions that that naturally and normally arise in community-campus partnerships. This article explains relational dialectics and presents the ways in which three common dialectical tensions work in campus-community partnerships. The authors offer ways in which partners can manage tensions and also discuss the implications of using relational dialectics for competency building, engagement practice, and research on community-campus partnerships.

Dumlao, R.J., & Janke, E.M. (2012). Using relational dialectics to address differences in community-campus partnerships. Journal of Higher Education Outreach and Engagement, 16(2), 151-175. Full Text.