Exploration Into the Business Priorities Related to Corporate Engagement in Community Health Improvement Partnerships

Abstract

Objective: 

To explore factors that matter to business in making decisions regarding engagement in community health improvement efforts.

Methods: 

Using qualitative methods, domains of interest were identified through literature reviews and expert interviews. Relevance of the domains in terms of potential priorities for action was tested through employer and community stakeholder interviews.

Results: 

Factors that employers considered important to sustained community collaboration as a business priority included (1) credibility of the convener, (2) broad representation of the community, (3) strong mission and goals, (4) individual commitment to health, (5) organizational commitment to health, and (6) demonstrated commitment from leadership.

Conclusions: 

Priorities have been identified for engaging business in community health efforts. Implications for research, practice, and policy include the need for measurement, transparency in reporting, and agreement on principles for public-private partnership in this area.