Consensus in Collaborative Governance

The gravity of challenges associated with complex public problems necessitates cross-sector stakeholders working together to formulate strategies and solutions through consensus to foster constructive implementation actions. The usual nature of the problem, diverse representation and participation, variations of interests, perspectives of a realistic path to a solution, and different levels of expertise and resources demand savvy negotiation of the interrelated dimensions to reach a consensus that advances the collaborative agenda. Stakeholders’ willingness to engage on the various collaborative governance agenda associated with the collaborative process or forum correlates with acceptance of challenges of deliberation, i.e., delays, disagreements, or conflicts, the tabling of items with eventual consensus either by a unanimous vote or simple majority voting defining the collective path forward. Consensus or consensus orientation associated with collaborative governance highlights its uniqueness in promoting inclusive involvement for solutions that benefit target populations and society. This chapter relates the what and why of consensus in collaborative governance, attendant elements with a real health services case, and a proposed intervention case to promote a somewhat robust understanding in the public affairs context.