Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Practice Exam

In which type of organizational structure does one partner offer a needed service while another provides financing?

1. joint venture

2. vertical integration

3. horizontal integration

4. shared governance

The correct answer is: joint venture

A joint venture is characterized by two or more parties coming together to collaborate on a specific project or business initiative, sharing resources and expertise. In this scenario, one partner offers a needed service while the other provides financing, which exemplifies the collaborative nature of a joint venture. Each partner contributes what they do best—one provides the necessary services, and the other brings in the financial support. This type of structure allows for shared risks and rewards, as well as leveraging the strengths of each partner to achieve common goals. In contrast, vertical integration involves one company controlling multiple levels of its supply chain, either by owning suppliers (backward integration) or distributors (forward integration). Horizontal integration refers to the acquisition of companies at the same level of production or service provision, typically to consolidate market power. Shared governance is a model of decision-making in healthcare organizations that involves various stakeholders in the governing process, aimed at enhancing collaboration and participation among those involved in healthcare delivery, but it does not pertain to the partnership structure outlined in the question.