Stronger Together? Determinants of Cooperation Patterns of Migrant Organizations in Germany

Abstract

Based on a cross-regional survey of 764 migrant organizations (MOs) in Germany, this study examines the relationship between the content-related orientation (activity areas) of a migrant organization, its human and financial resources, and its cooperation patterns, e.g., the tendency to become a member of umbrella associations and to cooperate with various actors in society. Resources as well as activity areas of an MO have effects on such collaborations, but they differ depending on the cooperation partner. MOs with a focus on social work are more likely to cooperate with public institutions and civil society organizations and have a larger network overall than MOs active in other areas. In addition, human resources are more important for cooperation than funding. While paid employees increase the probability of cooperation with public institutions as well as the membership in an umbrella association, the number of volunteers correlates positively with the tendency to cooperate with other organizations of civil society and religious communities. In particular, a broad base of paid and volunteer staff increases the chances of cooperation.