The Australian Government has been increasingly recognizing the power and importance of partnerships in delivering high-quality capability. These strategic alliances, when well thought out, strategic, and aligned in values and ethos, can significantly enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of government operations.
The Power of Collaboration
Research has shown that collaboration can supercharge workplace performance. A Stanford study found that participants who were primed to act collaboratively stuck at their task 64% longer than their solitary peers, reporting higher engagement levels, lower fatigue levels, and a higher success rate. Furthermore, companies that promoted collaborative working were five times as likely to be high performing.
Strategic Partnerships in Action
Strategic partnerships have been instrumental in various sectors of the Australian Government. For instance, the Australia-U.S. Clean Energy Industry Council, a result of an enhanced collaboration between Australia and the U.S., advises both governments on clean energy industry development and cooperation.
In another example, the LEAD partnership model aimed to reduce race-based discrimination by drawing on the strengths of respective partners and responding to a range of local contexts while being informed by current evidence and best practices.
The Importance of Well-Thought-Out Partnerships
While partnerships can be powerful, they need to be well thought out and strategic to be successful. According to a 2014 PwC CEO survey, more than 80% of US CEOs were looking for strategic partnerships or intended to do so in the near future. However, in the last three years, only around 65% of those seeking new strategic alliances have been successful.
Partnerships need to be based on shared values and ethos. They should be established when companies need to acquire new capabilities within their existing business. The partners should remain independent, share the benefits from, risks in, and control over joint actions, and make ongoing contributions in strategic areas.
The Future of Partnerships in the Australian Government
The Australian Government is set to continue leveraging the power of partnerships to deliver high-quality capability. As the government navigates the complex policy, process, and technology landscapes, public-private partnership programs are providing evolutionary rather than revolutionary outcomes.
In conclusion, the power and importance of partnerships in delivering high-quality capability into the Australian Government cannot be overstated. When well thought out, strategic, and aligned in values and ethos, these partnerships can significantly enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of government operations, leading to better outcomes for all Australians.
Citations:
New Study Finds That Collaboration Drives Workplace Performance (forbes.com)
36279186.pdf (oecd.org)
What makes a good Strategic Partnership & How to succeed (imd.org)
112 Stats You Never Knew About Strategic Partnerships (breezy.io)
Strategic business partnerships may be key to winning government contracts - Flint & Genesee Group (flintandgenesee.org)
Private sector partnerships | Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (dfat.gov.au)
35+ Compelling Workplace Collaboration Statistics [2023]: The Importance Of Teamwork - Zippia
Partnerships for a Healthy Region | indopacifichealthsecurity.dfat.gov.au