Same same but different: resource partitioning and niche-seeking in Dutch climate civil society organisations

Population ecology and niche theory are key concepts used in current research into interest groups, used to explain the birth and death of organisations, as well as their adaptation to external challenges. A key concept used in this literature is that of a “niche” (Lowery and Gray 1996). Niches have been examined in a plethora of ways, focusing on the issues that groups focus on; their membership; strategies; and even the broader concept of identity. Yet, thus far, few studies have examined the different ways that groups can define their niches simultaneously. This exploratory paper thereby aims to explore whether – and how – new climate organisations in the Netherlands construct niches for themselves. Climate organisations provide a useful case study as there has been a sharp increase in the number of new climate organisations over the past years, thereby increasing the potential resource pressure on groups. The empirical section draws on document analysis and interview data from Dutch climate organisations founded in the past 5 years to assess the various ways in which groups construct niches and deal with organisational challenges. It then turns to a comparative case study to examine the specific differences in approach by similar groups.