Improving interdepartmental collaboration at the regional municipality of York

Abstract

The Regional Municipality of York (York Region) is the third largest upper-tier municipality in Ontario, a government organization performing 16 core functions across almost 200 work locations. Its growth rate is the third highest in Canada. The organization wished to explore opportunities to improve internal collaboration, including building upon what is currently working. This inquiry utilized action research, specifically through the use of storytelling and world café methods with participants from the leadership community, to ascertain the organization’s current success stories, explore its own definition, and identify the leadership and organizational factors required for effective interdepartmental collaboration. Seven findings confirmed the existence of success stories and identified process, relational, leadership, and organizational factors which impact collaboration. Six recommendations emerged from the findings and may assist York Region in taking steps to continuously improve in this area. This inquiry adhered to Royal Roads University Research Ethics Policy.