A long-term relationship between two or more organizations for mutual benefit is known as?

A long-term relationship between two or more organizations for mutual benefit is best described as a strategic alliance. This type of partnership is characterized by companies coming together to collaborate on joint projects, share resources, or combine expertise while maintaining their distinct identities. Strategic alliances are often formed to leverage complementary strengths, reduce costs, enhance market share, or accelerate product development.

The defining feature of a strategic alliance is its focus on achieving mutual goals without merging the organizations' operations completely. This is why it stands out as the correct choice in this context.

Other options refer to specific arrangements that may not convey the same breadth or intent. A joint venture, for example, involves creating a new entity that is jointly owned by the partnering organizations, which differs from the loose collaboration inherent in a strategic alliance. Vertical alliances typically refer to partnerships between organizations at different stages of the supply chain, while horizontal alliances occur between companies at the same level in the supply chain. These terms do not fully capture the essence of a mutual-benefit relationship illustrated by the concept of a strategic alliance.