Partnership Health Diagnostic
Each category scores 0-25 points based on five criteria rated 1-5.
A 100-point scorecard for assessing the health of existing mutualistic partnerships across four categories: Partnership Foundation (structural fit), Structural Alignment (shared fate architecture), Enforcement Mechanisms (defection tax), and Relationship Health (trust & execution). Each category scores 0-25 points based on five criteria rated 1-5.
When to Use Partnership Health Diagnostic
For quarterly or annual assessment of existing partnerships, diagnosing partnership problems, prioritizing improvement efforts, or deciding whether to continue or exit partnerships.
How to Apply
Partnership Foundation Assessment (25 points)
Rate structural fit criteria 1-5 each
Questions to Ask
- Complementary capabilities create genuine value through combination?
- Success conditions align (partner wins when we win)?
- Multi-year relationship horizon exists?
- Both parties have committed dedicated resources (>0.5 FTE)?
- Partnership value exceeds $500K annually or strategic importance justifies investment?
Structural Alignment Assessment (25 points)
Rate shared fate architecture criteria 1-5 each
Questions to Ask
- Outcome-based incentives exist (paying for results)?
- Bidirectional information flows regularly and transparently?
- Switching costs and interdependencies make defection costly?
- Joint value capture mechanisms distribute benefits fairly?
- Long-term commitment with adaptation flexibility?
Enforcement Mechanisms Assessment (25 points)
Rate defection tax criteria 1-5 each
Questions to Ask
- Reciprocity tracking shows balanced contributions and benefits?
- Performance metrics with clear consequences exist?
- Transparency reduces information asymmetries?
- Reputation effects motivate long-term cooperation?
- Defection would be costly enough to discourage it?
Relationship Health Assessment (25 points)
Rate trust and execution criteria 1-5 each
Questions to Ask
- Regular communication at multiple organizational levels?
- Demonstrated commitment through actions and investments?
- Cultural compatibility enables effective collaboration?
- Conflict resolution norms handle disagreements constructively?
- Joint successes are recognized and celebrated?
Interpret Results and Plan Actions
Use total score to assess partnership health and identify improvement priorities
Outputs
- 90-100: Exemplary Mutualism
- 75-89: Strong Mutualism
- 60-74: Functional Partnership
- 45-59: At-Risk Partnership
- Below 45: Failing Partnership