Whether they realize it or not, businesses have the potential tomake a huge impact on the overall health of their communities. Thesuccess of a community health initative depends on a varietyof factors, most crucially, the project leader.

When considering whether to participate in a community healthinitiative, potential business partners value above all else thecredibility of the group leader. That’s the conclusion drawnby a diverse group of researchers who set out to identify the mostimportant factors corporations take into account before entering acommunity health project.

The Health Enhancement Research Organization—HERO—sponsored themulti-phase study, which was partly funded by the Robert WoodJohnson Foundation. The report waspublished in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicinein November. The researchers compiled information from literature,in-person and online interviews, and found six factors to be mostinfluential in securing business involvement.

1. Credibility of the convener (41 percent)

2. Broad representation of the community (30 percent)

3. Strong mission and goals (27 percent)

4. Individual commitment to health (10 percent)

5. Organizational commitment to health (6 percent)

6. Demonstrated commitment from leadership (6 percent)

The first factor was so significant that researchers delved abit more deeply into it, culling out what businesses were lookingfor in a convener, or leader. “… The convener [must be]successful, [ready] to drive change, and [be able] to present as aneutral entity in bringing and keeping stakeholders to theinitiative,” the report said. Business also expects the convenerto, among other qualities:

• Be a champion for the mission/goal

• Be a source of tools and resources for the effort

• Be seen as an authentic, trusted leader, and a thought leader inparticular, in the community

• Be seen as a leader in health and well-being

• Be focused on high-impact projects and outcomes