Partnership Dynamics Research Articles

Sexual minority men’s experiences of, and strategies for emotional intimacy in intimate partner relationships

Emotional intimacy is key to intimate partner relationship quality and satisfaction. For sexual minority men, queer and feminist theorists consistently link emotional intimacy to diverse sexual practices and partnership dynamics formulated within the relationship. This Photovoice study adds to those insights by drawing on individual photovoice interviews with 16 sexual minority men to describe participant’s experiences of, and strategies for emotional intimacy in their intimate relationships. Analysis revealed three distinct yet entwined themes: (i) embracing vulnerabilities to drive self-acceptance; (ii) building relationality with partners; and (iii) securing connections with family, friends and community. By embracing vulnerabilities to drive self-acceptance, participants spoke to embodied courage and autonomy as key components for addressing wide-ranging emotional intimacy challenges in their relationships. In theme two, building relationality with partners, participants described how empathy, trust and reciprocity underpinned collaborative work to foster emotional intimacy. Lastly, in securing connections with family, friends and community, acceptance and inclusion were key to participants’ sense of belonging and legitimacy which aided their emotional intimacy with partners. The findings provide guidance for tailored programmatic efforts to assist sexual minority men build intimate relationships.

Effects of Substance Use on Condomless Anal Sex in a Large Sample of Adolescent Men Who Have Sex with Men: A Within and Between Relationship Design.

Substance use is a significant risk factor for HIV infection among adolescent men who have sex with men (AMSM). Substance use may reduce the use of HIV prevention measures or increase the likelihood of engaging in activities with a higher risk of HIV transmission, but there is a lack of studies dedicated to analyzing these mechanisms in adolescents and young MSM. This study aimed to explore the impact of substance use on condomless anal sex (CAS) in a large, racially diverse sample of AMSM. Additionally, we investigated how an individual's general level of substance use moderated the association between substance use before sex and CAS at the partnership level. Baseline data for an HIV prevention intervention were collected through online surveys from April 2018 to June 2020. The sample consisted of 1624 AMSM (M age, 16.69 years) who reported at least one sexual partner in the previous 3months. Participants provided information about their three most recent sexual partners, including their relationship to the partner, PrEP use, frequency of alcohol, marijuana, and non-prescription drug use before sex, and the number of CAS acts. Participants also completed measures of their substance use frequency. Multilevel modeling in Mplus was used for data analysis, accounting for sexual partnerships nested within participants. All models controlled for PrEP use and relationship status. Results revealed a significant positive association between the frequency of non-prescription drug use before sex and CAS at the partnership level. This indicates that higher non-prescription drug use frequency before sex was associated with a greater number of CAS acts with partners. Moreover, the cross-level interaction between alcohol frequency and non-prescription drug use before sex was statistically significant. Specifically, for participants with high alcohol frequency scores, there was a significant positive association between non-prescription drug use before sex and CAS at the partnership level. AMSM with higher average alcohol consumption were more likely to engage in CAS when using non-prescription drugs prior to sex with a partner, compared to those with lower alcohol consumption. This study's use of multilevel data analysis contributes innovatively to the field by shedding light on how substance use operates within sexual relationships and different partnership dynamics. Tailored interventions targeting substance use should be developed to reduce HIV risk among AMSM.

Multi-Stakeholder Partnership (MSP) Dynamics for Evolving Partnership Goals

Multi-Stakeholder Partnership (MSP) Dynamics for Evolving Partnership Goals

Partnership Perception and Practices of Turkish Businessmen in Türkiye and Germany: A Comparative Analysis

In this study, it is aimed to contribute to the existing literature by conducting empirical research on the partnerships established by Turkish individuals living in both Türkiye and Germany. The goal is to highlight the similarities and differences in the partnership dynamics among members of the same nation, albeit in different countries. We evaluate these commonalities and disparities within several thematic dimensions, including decision-making processes within partnerships, distribution of shares, rationales behind partnership establishment, assignment of responsibilities, and perspectives regarding partnership structures.

Evaluating Public-Private Partnership Dynamics: the Kazakhstan Toll Road Case

The holistic collaboration between the government and business through public-private partnerships (PPPs) is crucial in developing economies in transition. With the help of the PPP mechanism, emerging economies realize new and maintain existing social and economic infrastructure projects in education, energy, transportation, and healthcare. This lessens the funding burden on the state budget and attracts private investment and expertise into the economy. However, one of the critical tasks is to engage a suitable private partner with whom a long-term relationship can be built for mutual benefit. The most vital issue in establishing and maintaining the PPP collaboration with such a partner is related to the appropriate management of business risks. This study focuses on the success of an infrastructure project for a private partner by analyzing the critical risks inherent in PPP projects. The research uses system dynamics (SD) modeling, which qualitatively and quantitatively determines how each risk affects the project realization. The study examines the largest PPP project in Central Asia, the Big Almaty Ring Road. This toll road project is taken as a case to demonstrate the impact of the most critical risks on the success of the PPP projects. For the simulation, the “hard tolls” form, which is one of the popular payment mechanisms in the global PPP practice, is considered where the private partner bears most of the risks. The findings show the riskiness of such a payment mechanism in implementing toll road projects with existing traffic and tariffs under conditions of uncertainty typical for Kazakhstan and other similar developing countries.

DEVELOPING A STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP MODEL FOR ENHANCED PERFORMANCE IN EMERGING MARKETS

This paper introduces a novel theoretical model aimed at elucidating the impact of strategic partnerships on organizational performance, particularly tailored to the dynamic landscape of emerging markets. In today's global economy, strategic partnerships have emerged as pivotal mechanisms for organizations seeking sustainable growth and competitive advantage. However, the effectiveness of such partnerships varies significantly across different contexts, especially in emerging markets characterized by rapid change, resource constraints, and cultural diversity. This paper proposes a comprehensive framework that integrates insights from strategic management, international business, and emerging market studies to delineate the intricacies of strategic partnerships and their implications for organizational performance. By elucidating the underlying mechanisms and contextual factors influencing partnership dynamics, this model seeks to provide practical guidance for organizations navigating the complexities of emerging markets. The proposed framework integrates insights from strategic management, international business, and emerging market studies to delineate the intricacies of strategic partnerships. It aims to shed light on the underlying mechanisms and contextual factors that influence partnership dynamics in emerging markets. By doing so, the model seeks to provide practical guidance for organizations navigating the complexities of these environments. At its core, the model recognizes that successful strategic partnerships in emerging markets require a nuanced understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities inherent in these contexts. It emphasizes the importance of factors such as cultural sensitivity, regulatory environments, and resource availability in shaping partnership dynamics and outcomes. By leveraging insights from diverse disciplines, the model offers a holistic perspective that goes beyond conventional approaches to partnership management. Through a rigorous review of existing literature and empirical evidence, the model aims to provide actionable insights for organizations seeking to optimize their strategic partnerships in emerging markets. By elucidating the complex interplay of factors influencing partnership dynamics, it offers valuable guidance for organizations navigating the intricacies of these dynamic environments and harnessing the full potential of strategic collaborations for sustainable growth and competitive advantage.
 Keywords: Strategic Partnership, Performance, Emerging Markets, Model.

Partnership Dynamics of LGB People and Heterosexuals: Patterns of First Partnership Formation and First Cohabitation

In this study we examine partnership dynamics among people with different sexual orientations in Germany. More specifically, we explore the process of first partnership formation and first cohabitation among men and women who self-identify as heterosexual, homosexual or bisexual. Given the various discriminations against same-sex lifestyles, and the limited opportunities to meet potential partners, we assume that lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) people form partnerships later in life and less frequently than heterosexuals. We further expect that the constantly improving social and legal climate for sexual minorities will lead to a reduction in differences in partnership behaviour by sexual orientation. We use retrospectively reported partnership biographies from the German Socio-Economic Panel, which was supplemented in 2019 with a boost sample of sexual and gender minority households. Using discrete-time event history models, we analyse nearly 15,000 episodes of being single and nearly 20,000 episodes of living without a partner in the household. Around 4.5% of these episodes are from people who self-identify as LGB. The results clearly show that patterns of partnership and coresidential union formation differ by sexual orientation. People with a homosexual orientation—and to a lesser extent people with a bisexual orientation—are less likely to enter into a first partnership and a first cohabitation than people with a heterosexual orientation. Significant changes occur across cohorts: LGB people from younger birth cohorts enter (cohabiting) partnerships much earlier and more frequently than those from older cohorts. Thus, the union formation patterns of LGB and straight people have converged slightly.

Power imbalances and equity in the day-to-day functioning of a north plus multi-south higher education institutions partnership: a case study

BackgroundPartnerships between Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in the global north and south have commonly been used as a vehicle to drive global health research and initiatives. Among these initiatives, include health system strengthening, research capacity building, and human resource training in developing countries. However, the partnership functioning of many global north-south partnerships still carry legacies of colonialism through unrecognized behavior patterns, attitudes, and belief systems in how they function. Even with research literature calling for a shift from equality to equity in the functioning of these partnerships, many still struggle with issues of complex and unspoken power dynamics. To understand the successes and challenges of north-south partnerships, this paper explored partnership development and functioning of a northern and multi-southern HEIs partnership focused on nutrition education and research.MethodsA qualitative research approach was used; data were collected through in-depth interviews (IDIs) with questions developed from the Bergen Model of Collective Functioning (BMCF). Thirteen IDIs were conducted with partners from all institutions including stakeholders.FindingsThe partnership was built on the foundation of experiences and lessons of a previous partnership. Partners used these experiences and lessons to devise strategies to improve partnership inputs, communication, leadership, roles and structures, and maintenance and communication tasks. However, these strategies had an impact on partnership functioning giving rise to issues of inequitable power dynamics. The northern partner had two roles: one as an equal partner and another as distributor of project funds; this caused a conflict in roles for this partner. The partners distinguished themselves according to partner resources – two partners were named implementing partners and two named supportive partners. Roles and partner resources were the greatest contributors to power imbalances and caused delays in project activities.ConclusionUsing the BMCF to examine partnership dynamics illuminated that power imbalances caused a hierarchical stance in the partnership with northern partners having overall control and power of decision-making in the partnership. This could impact the effectiveness and sustainability of project in the southern institutions going forward.

STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS IN THE SATELLITE AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS SECTORS: A CONCEPTUAL REVIEW OF DATA ANALYTICS-ENABLED IDENTIFICATION AND CAPITALIZATION OF SYNERGIES

Strategic partnerships in the satellite and telecommunications sectors have become increasingly vital as technological advancements and market complexities continue to evolve. This conceptual review delves into the significance of data analytics-enabled identification and capitalization of synergies within these partnerships. The fusion of satellite and telecommunications technologies presents unique opportunities for innovation and growth, but also challenges that necessitate strategic collaboration. By leveraging data analytics, organizations can effectively identify synergies between satellite and telecommunications services, leading to enhanced operational efficiencies, expanded service offerings, and improved customer experiences. Through a comprehensive analysis of available data, companies can pinpoint areas of overlap and complementary strengths, laying the foundation for mutually beneficial partnerships. The review explores the multifaceted nature of strategic partnerships in these sectors, emphasizing the importance of aligning technological capabilities, market strategies, and regulatory frameworks. It underscores the role of data analytics as a catalyst for informed decision-making, enabling stakeholders to anticipate market trends, optimize resource allocation, and mitigate risks. Furthermore, the review examines the implications of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and predictive analytics on partnership dynamics. These tools not only streamline data analysis processes but also empower organizations to proactively identify synergistic opportunities and adapt to evolving market dynamics in real-time. Through a synthesis of theoretical frameworks and empirical evidence, this review provides insights into the strategic imperatives guiding partnership formation and management in the satellite and telecommunications sectors. It underscores the need for a holistic approach that integrates technological expertise with business acumen and regulatory compliance to unlock the full potential of strategic collaborations. The review advocates for a proactive and data-driven approach to identifying and capitalizing on synergies within strategic partnerships in the satellite and telecommunications sectors. By harnessing the power of data analytics, organizations can navigate the complexities of the digital ecosystem, drive innovation, and achieve sustainable competitive advantage in an increasingly interconnected world.
 Keywords: Partnership, Telecommunication, Data Analytics, Capitalization, Enabled Identification, Review.

Mothers' school starting age and infant health.

We study the effects of women's school starting age on the infant health of their offspring. In Spain, children born in December start school a year earlier than those born the following January, despite being essentially the same age. We follow a regression discontinuity design to compare the health at birth of the children of women born in January versus the previous December, using administrative, population-level data. We find small and insignificant effects on average weight at birth, but, compared to the children of December-born mothers, the children of January-born mothers are more likely to have very low birthweight. We then show that January-born women have the same educational attainment and the same partnership dynamics as December-born women. However, they finish school later and are (several months) older when they have their first child. Our results suggest that maternal age is a plausible mechanism behind our estimated impacts of school starting age on infant health.

Assessing the Role of Facial Symmetry and Asymmetry between Partners in Predicting Relationship Duration: A Pilot Deep Learning Analysis of Celebrity Couples

Prevailing studies on romantic relationships often emphasize facial symmetry as a factor in partner selection and marital satisfaction. This study aims to explore the inverse of this hypothesis—the relationship between facial dissimilarity and partnership duration among celebrity couples. Utilizing the CELEB-A dataset, which includes 202,599 images of 10,177 celebrities, we conducted an in-depth analysis using advanced artificial intelligence-based techniques. Deep learning and machine learning methods were employed to process and evaluate facial images, focusing on dissimilarity across various facial regions. Our sample comprised 1822 celebrity couples. The predictive analysis, incorporating models like Linear Regression, Ridge Regression, Random Forest, Support Vector Machine, and a Neural Network, revealed varying degrees of effectiveness in estimating partnership duration based on facial features and partnership status. However, the most notable performance was observed in Ridge Regression (Mean R2 = 0.0623 for whole face), indicating a moderate predictive capability. The study found no significant correlation between facial dissimilarity and partnership duration. These findings emphasize the complexity of predicting relationship outcomes based solely on facial attributes and suggest that other nuanced factors might play a more critical role in determining relationship dynamics. This study contributes to the understanding of the intricate nature of partnership dynamics and the limitations of facial attributes as predictors.

Partnership Dynamics That Support Social Innovation by Nonprofits

Partnership Dynamics That Support Social Innovation by Nonprofits

A Comprehensive, Community-Based Coalition to Address Racial Disparities in Chronic Disease: REACH in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania

Abstract: Background: Funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health Initiative, Live Well Allegheny: Lifting Wellness for African Americans (LWA) in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, aims to enhance health equity by addressing chronic disease in six African American communities via three key strategies: nutrition, physical activity, and community–clinical linkages. Objectives: This manuscript describes the coalition's partnership dynamics and evaluation methods with a focus on nutrition strategies. Methods: We have a network of committed partners implementing the strategies and we are evaluating our efforts using community asset mapping, county population-based survey data, qualitative process interviews, focus groups, and program performance measures. Results: The LWA coalition is the culmination of years of partnership building, which allows for more targeted activities related to health equity in the region. Thus far, the LWA coalition is thriving. The network of committed and talented partners in the nutrition strategy (healthy nutrition standards, food systems, and breastfeeding) reached 22 sites and more than 46,000 people during the first 2 years of the project. Process interviews conducted as part of the evaluation identified challenges and successes of implementation, and development of the coalition. Conclusions: This comprehensive evaluation approach supports formative processes, evaluation metrics, and prolonged sustainability plans of this community-based coalition.

Contributory Factors to Caregiver Burden in Parkinson's Disease.

Although there is growing recognition of the relevancy of informal caregivers there is scarce information on the contributory factors of caregiver burden in Parkinson's Disease (PD). To identify the main associated factors to caregivers' burden in people caring for a person with PD. We analyzed the data set from a multinational online survey the Parkinson's real-world impact assesSMent (PRISM) focusing on medication use, comorbidities, health-related quality of life, relationship changes and the use of healthcare and supportive care resources by people with PD and their carers. Structured questionnaires including the Parkinson's disease quality of life questionnaire (PDQ-39), non-motor symptoms questionnaire (NMSQuest) and the Questionnaire for impulsive-compulsive disorder in Parkinson's disease (QUIP) were applied. Caregiver burden was assessed by the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI). In a cohort of 245 dyads (patient and respective caregiver), caregivers reported a mild to moderate burden. Carers' perception of PD impact in partnership, financial burden, hours of care, patient's age, hypersexuality and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) were found to be significant contributory factors to caregiver burden. Taken together these variables explained 66.8% of the variance in the Interpretation of the ZBI total score. Caring for a person with PD entails substantial burden, particularly when the caregiver perceives greater changes in partnership dynamics, dedicates more time to caregiving tasks, has financial burden, and when the patient is older, reports worst HRQoL and has sexual compulsive urges.

Cooperation between large companies and start-ups: An overview of the current state of research

Collaboration between large companies and start-ups presents unique characteristics that distinguish them from other forms of partnership and can effectively drive innovation for both entities. To enhance the understanding of this phenomenon, this study systematically examines the relevant literature on the subject. By analyzing and synthesizing 103 articles from peer-reviewed journals, a comprehensive framework is developed, elucidating the pertinent antecedents, mediators, and outcomes of such collaborations. Furthermore, fundamental gaps in research content are identified, including 1) the influence of individual and organizational factors on partnership dynamics and performance, 2) the effectiveness of such collaborations in different types of innovation pursuits, and 3) the negative consequences for partners in the event of collaborative project failure. Based on these defined concepts and identified gaps, an agenda for future research is proposed in terms of theoretical, content-related, and methodological directions.

The project-partnership cycle: managing city-university partnerships for urban sustainability and resilience transformations

Cities across the globe are striving to produce viable solutions to pressing urban sustainability and resilience problems. Despite aspirations, municipal governments often need additional support in terms of knowledge, capacity, or resources to achieve transformations. Partnerships between cities and universities are one mechanism for co-producing knowledge and achieving sustained progress on complex challenges. When properly structured and effectively managed, city-university partnerships (CUPs) are purported to increase transformative capacity in city administrations and support actions which accelerate urban transformations; but these outcomes are not always achieved. As CUPs grow in numbers, there is a pressing need to identify which principles and practices facilitate transformation. Therefore, we used iterative reflective focus group sessions to develop in-depth case studies of five sustainability and resilience CUPs across three countries. The CUPs were cross-compared to explore the partnership dynamics and management practices that aid progress towards transformative goals. Observations were then related to transformative capacity typologies, and mapped to the newly described project-partnership cycle – which is useful for the management of transformative partnerships.

Partnership dynamics and entry into parenthood: Comparison of Finnish birth cohorts 1969-2000.

During the past decade, the stability of close-to-replacement-level fertility ended in all Nordic countries, with its decline to the lowest level in Finland. It is unclear whether and how partnership dynamics have changed, and whether they play a role in fertility developments. We focus on the patterns and associations between the formation and stability of co-residential partnerships and first birth among Finnish women and men, and on whether and how these associations have changed across birth cohorts. We utilise total population register data on persons born between 1969 and 2000 in Finland, and adopt the event history method. Our results indicate that half of the women formed their first co-residential partnerships by the age of 22 years. Cohorts born in the early 1990s were the first to delay the formation of non-marital first partnerships. In contrast, first births are increasingly postponed, and the proportion of women and men, who become parents, has declined across recent cohorts. Among men, we observe higher median ages for family formation events and higher likelihoods of not forming a family. As a result of fertility decline and increase in partnership instability, for the first time, the probability of separation is higher than that of first births among partnered women born in the 1990s. Our findings show that at a behavioural level, the once close link between partnership formation and parenthood has progressively eroded across consecutive birth cohorts. Together with the ongoing tendency to delay first births, decreasing partnership stability, and first indications of delaying partnership formation, the potential of witnessing a marked increase of fertility levels in the near future is delimited. Our study's results contribute to a better understanding of the demographic mechanisms behind the decline in fertility in Finland, over the recent decade.

The Shared Stewardship Strategy in the Southern United States: Lessons Learned

Abstract The USDA Forest Service (Forest Service)’s Shared Stewardship strategy, announced initially in 2018, is built on a vision of advancing federal partnerships with states and other entities to better accomplish shared forest management priorities at the landscape scale. Early implementation of the strategy provides a glimpse into how these partnership dynamics differ both among states and among geographic and jurisdictional regions. Building on a prior assessment of early Shared Stewardship implementation in the western states, this Brief Communication article provides insights from a parallel analysis in the Southern Region (Region 8) of the Forest Service. Our results highlight the fact that informal relationships and ways of doing business can be as important as formal policies in shaping the ways that federal, state, and other entities work together in practice.

"Ultimately, You Realize You're on Your Own": The Impact of Prostate Cancer on Gay and Bisexual Men Couples.

An estimated one in three gay and bisexual (GB) male couples receive a prostate cancer (PCa) diagnosis over their life course with limited understanding of the impacts on their relationships. Psychological distress related to PCa diagnosis and treatment-related side effects have been shown to disrupt established GB partnership dynamics. Communication barriers often develop within GB relationships affected by PCa, further exacerbating couple tensions, isolating partners, and lowering quality of life for both patients and partners. In order to elaborate on these phenomena following a PCa diagnosis, we conducted focus group discussions with GB men in relationships. Men were recruited nationally through PCa support groups, and after completing consent procedures, they were invited to one of two focus group discussions conducted through video conference. Topics discussed included the diagnosis and medical decision making pertaining to PCa; healthcare provider experiences; the emotional, physical, and sexual impact of PCa diagnosis and treatment; sources of support and appraisal of resources; and partner involvement and communication. There were twelve GB men who participated in focus group discussions that were audio-recorded and transcribed, and analyzed using a thematic approach. GB couple experiences with PCa during and after treatment choice and recovery identified common patient-provider communication barriers. In particular, GB men reported difficulties in disclosing their sexuality and relationship to their providers, limiting conversations about treatment choice and partner engagement in care. Both patients and partners experienced times of being alone after treatment, either by choice or to give space to their partner. However, partners often did not explicitly discuss their preferences for being alone or together, which resulted in partners' disengagement in their relationship and the prostate cancer healthcare process. This disengagement could blunt the notable PCa survival benefits of partnership for GB men.

Hooked on a Feeling: Russia's Annexation of Crimea Through the Lens of Emotion

This article tests the plausibility of an affect‐centered framework for foreign policy analysis, using the 2014 annexation of Crimea as an illustrative case. It identifies questions left open by prevailing accounts based on international relations theory and shows how a supplementary conceptual lens can improve existing explanations. The affective perspective suggests that the Russian president deemed intervention in Ukraine without alternative. Otherwise, Russia would have surrendered any claim to relevance in European security. More saliently, the ouster of Yanukovych, as a possible precedent for Russia, frightened Putin and increased his resolve to take action. Also, contrary to the interpretation of the annexation as an improvised reaction to a political crisis, evidence suggests that the Russian elite welcomed the opportunity to break free from uncomfortable partnership dynamics with the West.