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Cooperatives and the Question of Democracy

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  • Kaswan, Mark J.

Abstract

Democracy is generally considered to be a core element of cooperatives. However, other than elected boards of directors, it appears to play little part in either the governance or operations of most cooperatives. Two challenges to democracy are identified. One is the idea that cooperatives will tend to lose their democratic character over time. The other is that many cooperatives are founded primarily for economic reasons, and democracy is a second-order concern. The paper explores the question of how important democracy is to cooperatives, identifying warning signs and encouraging cooperatives to take a more active approach to promote participation. Democracy cannot be taken for granted, or it may fade away entirely.

Suggested Citation

  • Kaswan, Mark J., 2021. "Cooperatives and the Question of Democracy," Z'GuG Zeitschrift für Gemeinwirtschaft und Gemeinwohl, Nomos Verlagsgesellschaft mbH & Co. KG, vol. 44(4), pages 486-500.
    • Handle: RePEc:nms:nozgug:10.5771/2701-4193-2021-4-486
    DOI: 10.5771/2701-4193-2021-4-486
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