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Humanistic governance in worker cooperatives: Unlocking collective capacities

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  • Cian McMahon
  • Sonja Novkovic

Abstract

The article adopts a humanistic theory of governance in democratic organisations to conduct a comparative case study analysis of six worker cooperatives in Europe and North America. Structural and procedural arrangements and self-imposed boundaries shield worker cooperatives from the potential pitfalls raised in the governance literature resting solely on property rights theories. Overall, good/exemplary governance in worker co-ops is seen to be well aligned with, and helps to further inform, the philosophies, theories and practices of humanistic economics and management in democratic organisations. In keeping with the International Cooperative Alliance’s 1995 Statement on the Cooperative Identity, the findings illustrate a rich, diverse and dynamic platform for effective democratic governance systems.

Suggested Citation

  • Cian McMahon & Sonja Novkovic, 2026. "Humanistic governance in worker cooperatives: Unlocking collective capacities," Economic and Industrial Democracy, Department of Economic History, Uppsala University, Sweden, vol. 47(3), pages 881-923, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:ecoind:v:47:y:2026:i:3:p:881-923
    DOI: 10.1177/0143831X251353003
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