Coalition is the act of bringing together groups of people, organisations or political parties to work jointly on an issue. Coalitions are common at a local government level (e.g. ‘hung councils’) and nationally after the 1994 election, when the first democratic national government was formed with a broad-based coalition. They can also be found at a regional or international level, for example in relation to trade agreements or global environmental issues.
A key step in the process of developing a coalition is to identify potential allies. This can be a complex process, particularly if the issue is emotive. Once a list of potential allies has been identified, it is important to build personal relationships and take time to explore their respective interests, policies and values. This process can help develop a shared agenda and set of key priorities. The development of a written agreement between the parties is also critical.
The benefits of working in a coalition can be significant. They include:
It is important to remember that there are potential pitfalls in coalition-working. If the structure of a coalition is not well designed, it can lead to power-sharing arrangements that can be unhealthy or even unworkable. In addition, it can be difficult to agree on shared goals and objectives and it may be challenging to reach decisions. It can also be difficult to share credit for activities and it is often the case that the larger or richer member organisations receive more recognition than other members, which can produce resentment.
About the Author
