Practices of Successful Community Coalitions: A Multiple Case Study     

Jeffrey P. Mayer, PhD;  
Rema Sweid, MPH;  
Sue Dabney, Med, MPH;  
Carol Brownson, MSPH;  
Robert M. Goodman, PhD;  
Ross C. Brownson, PhD  

Objective: To identify successful coalition practices using qualitative data and a case study design. Methods: Bracket sampling was used to select two of six rural coalitions that varied on several intermediate outcomes. Qualitative data obtained from focus groups with the core membership of the two coalitions were con- trasted. Results: Differences between the positive and negative case were found on decision making for health promotion activities, scope of health problems and populations addressed, methods for encouraging community participation, benefits and costs of membership, and approach to coalition institutionalization. Conclusion: Prescriptions for improving coalition practice are presented and discussed.

AmJHealthBehav 1998;22(5):368- 377