How does community context influence coalitions in the formation stage? a multiple case study based on the Community Coalition Action Theory

• Type of Material: Article
• Authors: Michelle C Kegler, Emory University; Jessica Rigler, Arizona Department of Health Services; Sally Honeycutt, Emory University
• Language: English
• Date: 2010
• Publisher: BioMed Central
• Publication Version: Final Published Version
• Copyright Statement: ©2010 Kegler et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.
• License: Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic
• Final Published Version (URL): http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2458/10/90
• Title of Journal or Parent Work: BMC Public Health
• ISSN: 1471-2458
• Volume: 10
• Issue: 90
• Grant/Funding Information: Funding for this study was also made possible by cooperative agreement # U48 DP 000043 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).; This study was supported, in part, by the California Endowment through a subcontract with the Public Health Institute.
• Research Categories: Health Sciences, Public Health; Health Sciences, General

Abstract

Background Community coalitions are rooted in complex and dynamic community systems. Despite recognition that environmental factors affect coalition behavior, few studies have examined how community context impacts coalition formation. Using the Community Coalition Action theory as an organizing framework, the current study employs multiple case study methodology to examine how five domains of community context affect coalitions in the formation stage of coalition development. Domains are history of collaboration, geography, community demographics and economic conditions, community politics and history, and community norms and values. Methods Data were from 8 sites that participated in an evaluation of a healthy cities and communities initiative in California. Twenty-three focus groups were conducted with coalition members, and 76 semi-structured interviews were conducted with local coordinators and coalition leaders. Cross-site analyses were conducted to identify the ways contextual domains influenced selection of the lead agency, coalition membership, staffing and leadership, and coalition processes and structures. Results History of collaboration influenced all four coalition factors examined, from lead agency selection to coalition structure. Geography influenced coalition formation largely through membership and staffing, whereas the demographic and economic makeup of the community had an impact on coalition membership, staffing, and infrastructure for coalition processes. The influence of community politics, history, norms and values was most noticeable on coalition membership. Conclusions Findings contribute to an ecologic and theory-based understanding of the range of ways community context influences coalitions in their formative stage.