Framework
Mutualism Design Checklist
TL;DR
When evaluating whether to pursue a partnership opportunity, assessing health of existing partnerships, or identifying specific gaps to address in partnership design.
A 22-item checklist for evaluating potential partnerships and assessing existing mutualistic relationships across four categories: Partnership Recognition, Partnership Structure, Partnership Enforcement, and Trust & Cultural Fit.
When to Use Mutualism Design Checklist
When evaluating whether to pursue a partnership opportunity, assessing health of existing partnerships, or identifying specific gaps to address in partnership design.
How to Apply
1
Partnership Recognition (5 items)
Assess whether this is the right opportunity
Questions to Ask
- Complementary capabilities that create value through combination?
- Shared success condition (not zero-sum)?
- Repeated interaction commitment (multi-year)?
- Information asymmetries that collaboration resolves?
- Customization requirement (not standardized commodity)?
2
Partnership Structure (5 items)
Assess whether incentives are properly aligned
Questions to Ask
- Outcome-based incentives (paying for outcomes)?
- Bidirectional information flow?
- Interdependence through switching costs and mutual dependencies?
- Joint value capture with fair distribution?
- Long-term commitment with adaptation flexibility?
3
Partnership Enforcement (5 items)
Assess whether exploitation is prevented
Questions to Ask
- Reciprocity monitoring tracking proportional contributions?
- Performance metrics with clear consequences?
- Transparency reducing information asymmetries?
- Reputation dynamics motivating long-term cooperation?
- Defection consequences sufficient to discourage cheating?
4
Trust & Cultural Fit (5 items)
Assess whether relationship can thrive
Questions to Ask
- Demonstrated commitment through actions and investments?
- Communication structures at multiple organizational levels?
- Cultural compatibility assessed?
- Conflict resolution norms established?
- Success celebration mechanisms?