Enhancing multi-agency collaboration in the management of child sexual abuse

Conflict naturally occurs when multiple organizations with different mandates interact to deliver services to children who have been sexually abused. In this article, the authors review the underlying sources of conflict that impair interorganization functioning, and dysfunctional techniques used to manage such conflict. As an alternative to dysfunctional conflict management strategies, the authors develop a model for managing conflict which builds on concepts from the operations and negotiations literature. The approach the authors advocate involves the three steps of problem characterization, acknowledgement of relevant goals and interests, and negotiation when interests are in conflict. The benefit of this approach, and difficulties encountered when employing it, are discussed.