Advantages and Disadvantages of Partnership Working

Introduction

The problem with partnership working is that there are too many partners.

Partnership working can be defined as a group of individuals, agencies or organisations with a shared interest, working together to achieve a specific objective. Partnerships are usually formed to address specific issues and may be short or long term. (Dewhurst, 2009) Although there is an acknowledgement that there is an absence in the definitions of partnership working, Powell, Glendinning & Rummery (2002) has offered the following minimal definition. “The involvement of at least two agents or agencies at least with some common interests or inter-dependencies; and would also probably require a relationship between them that involves a degree of trust, equality of reciprocity...” (Glendinning et al, 2002, p 3) In order for partnership to run smoothly, partners need to communicate, co-ordinate and co-operate with one another effectively. Partnership working is not always straight forward and has its disadvantages; however there are advantages to partnership working.

Discussion

There are many different assumptions about partnership working for example; “It is the way forward.” Or “Partners are equal.” The reality is that although partnership working would appear to be the best way, unfortunately like everything in life, it comes with disadvantages.

Disadvantages:

Over the years, there have been notable cases that has been criticised as failed partnership working and as a result of that, it has led to individuals losing their lives. In the case of a psychiatrist, who killed her three month old daughter and then committed suicide as a result of mental illness. An independent inquiry concluded that Daksha Emson, ...

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...care of people your first concern, treating them as individuals and respecting their dignity. Provide a high standard of practice and care at all times.

One main aspect of the NMC codes of conduct which is relevant to explore is “work with others to promote and protect the health and wellbeing of those in your care, their families and carers and the wider community.” This statement depicts one of the aspects that enhance partnership working, as this statement entails a wider range of effective responsibilities wherein which if followed, partnership working will be effective.

- Sharing information with your colleagues and keeping them updated, ensuring they understand their responsibilities.

- Working effectively as part of a team, sharing your skills and experiences for the benefit of your colleagues, treating your colleagues fairly without any discrimination.