When cooperation turns ugly: exploring the dark side of social capital

Purpose This article explores theoretical assumptions regarding negative consequences of social capital in the empirical case a failed cooperation project, and how these are related to processes involving people, structures environments. Design/methodology/approach The is based on study project within municipal labor market services. methodology followed theorizing process, where data were collected through ethnographical methods analyzed relation existing concepts from theories describing effects shadow organizing. Findings results highlight development can be understood three relational processes, namely dynamics insulation, homogenization escalating commitment. authors conclude that quality conditional upon complex interactions structures. Moreover, importance studying organizing practices outside explicit structures, order identify non-canonical their consequences. Practical implications Organizing projects aim bridge professional competencies or organizational boundaries have attentive toward informal which if remaining unrecognized may grow threaten original intentions. Originality/value makes contribution by combining approach with literature capital. combination proves especially useful for analyzing influence into producing effects.