Patterns of Cooperation and Non-Cooperation – the Case of Polish Immigrant Organisations in Germany

Abstract

The article aims to investigate the cooperation patterns characteristic of Polish immigrant organisations in Germany. A situation analysis suggests a relatively broad collaborative network, with more than 100 Polish immigrant organisations in existence. However, the practice of the organisations’ functioning shows that, in fact, PIOs often function in a kind of organisational vacuum. They cannot nor do not want to cooperate with a large group of potential partners. In the article, we will also try to justify this state of affairs and find the barriers that limit the possibilities of cooperation of Polish immigrant organisations in Germany.