Multisector Collaboration Against Human Trafficking

Author: Foot, Kirsten

Abstract: The complexity of the crime human trafficking requires coordinated action across borders and in every sector of society to end it. However, effective collaboration is difficult. Several forms of multisector collaboration occurring around the world are discussed, and four collaboration-catalyzing initiatives of the US government are summarized. Leveraging insights from inter-organizational relations and the sociology of organizing, three key challenges in multisector collaboration against human trafficking are identified: (a) differences in the power, status, and financial resources of the organizations attempting to collaborate; (b) tensions between differing, sector-based values and priorities; and (c) power dynamics stemming from the majority/minority gender and ethnic/racial patterns that vary by sector in some countries. Finally, promising practices for building, repairing, and sustaining multisector partnerships to counter modern slavery are offered.

Keywords: partnership, collaboration, task force, coalition, inter-organizational, cross-sector, multisector, tensions, practices