Coalition work among environmental groups

Abstract

This paper seeks to improve our understanding of which types of movement organizations participate in coalitions. Past research examined why groups join coalitions and documented their importance for policy success, yet the question of which types of groups are likely to engage in coalition work has largely been ignored. A survey of environmental group leaders was conducted to examine the connection between movement organizations and coalition building. The factors analyzed among movement organizations are the degree of centralization, leadership qualities, membership activity, and advocacy tactics. The findings indicate that groups led by professional leaders with social network ties to other movement organizations are more likley to engage in coalition work. Two organizational attributes, high membership activity and inside advocacy tactics, were associated with coalition participation as well. These findings hold important implications for organizations seeking to engender coalition work among movement groups.

Citation

Shaffer, M.B. (2000), "Coalition work among environmental groups", Coy, P.G. (Ed.) Research in Social Movements, Conflicts and Change (Research in Social Movements, Conflicts and Change, Vol. 22), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 111-126. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0163-786X(00)80037-3