Abstract

The purpose of this study is to reveal the outcomes resulting from collaboration projects that entail dealing with a variety of stakeholders, sometimes with opposing points of view. The theory of Multistakeholder Collaboration Process (MCP) introduced by Turcotte, 1996, is used as a base here to study a Canadian environmental voluntary initiative called A.R.E.T. (Accelerated Reduction/Elimination of Toxics). Three main aspects of collaboration outcomes were explored in the A.R.E.T. collaboration table: Consensus, Learning, and Innovation. Interviews were conducted to measure A.R.E.T.'s participants'/stakeholders' perceptions pertaining to the outcomes of this collaboration table. The sample for this study was drawn from the population of A.R.E.T. participants, and 8 companies, industry associations, and governmental departments were selected to be interviewed. Albeit the difference in project setting and nature, Turcotte's (1996) previous assumptions and conclusions from her R3 research were supported again in this study: The consensus reached was general in nature, while there was non-consensus in the micro-categories. Learning took the form of gaining awareness of other stakeholders' problems and needs. Innovation consisted of marginal modifications and not radical changes. Further research is needed in more different settings to be able to generalize these findings.