title: Tracing the evolution of pluralism in community-based coalitions.
abstract: In this study, a crisis of leadership succession led to greater subsequent pluralism by the previously less inclusive coalition. Substantial tension existed between both coalitions and the federally funded Appalachia Cancer Network, especially around its evidence-based mission. The fact that this tension occurred even at the more locally inclusive site indicates that pluralism may vary across levels within the same coalition. This article contributes to theory by exploring how coalitions evolve over time across community boundaries, as well as to management practice by yielding guidance about how to build inclusive organizations.
authors.affiliation: Department of Health Policy and Administration, College of Health and Human Development, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, USA. rsw8@psu.edu
authors.forename: Rebecca
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Wells
authors.forename: Eric W
authors.initials: EW
authors.lastname: Ford
authors.forename: Michelle L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Holt
authors.forename: Jennifer A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: McClure
authors.forename: Ann
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ward
mesh_terms: D001061:Appalachian Region / Q000453:epidemiology; D019985:Benchmarking; D019058:Community Networks / Q000458:organization & administration*; D003159:Community-Institutional Relations; D018864:Cultural Diversity; D003659:Decision Making, Organizational; D005260:Female; D006265:Health Care Coalitions / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006302:Health Services Research; D006801:Humans; D007373:Interinstitutional Relations; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D007857:Leadership; D017146:Models, Organizational; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000208:ethnology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D019035:Rural Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012925:Social Conformity; D014932:Women's Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*