Purpose: The focus of this work is on the theories that explicate the possibilities of collaboration from the perspective of the participants. Design/methodology/approach: The paper is based on the literature and the author's own experiences and knowledge. Findings: Finds that successful change is characterized by changes in people: in the way they think and act due to and within particular organizational structures and in the way they interact with the world outside those structures. Originality/value: Gives advice on the steps that need to be taken to gain support with collaboration in organizations and to be able to identify resistance to it.