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Differentiated voting and membership composition – the case of a large Swedish dairy cooperative

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  • Nilsson, Jerker

Abstract

This study comprises theoretical and empirical analyses of differentiated voting rights in the governance of agricultural cooperatives with self-interest seeking members. A survey was conducted among representative samples of members and General Assembly delegates of a large Swedish dairy cooperative while two important decisions were under consideration. Because of the equal voting rights regime, the majority of small-scale farmers encouraged the General Assembly to reject both efficiency-raising measures. However, if the large-scale farmers had had more voting power, both proposals would have been accepted. Because of limited spatial competition, the large-scale members could not “voting by their feet”.

Suggested Citation

  • Nilsson, Jerker, 2024. "Differentiated voting and membership composition – the case of a large Swedish dairy cooperative," International Journal on Food System Dynamics, International Center for Management, Communication, and Research, vol. 15(02), June.
  • Handle: RePEc:ags:ijofsd:346736
    DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.346736
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Nilsson, Jerker, 1997. "Inertia in Cooperative Remodeling," Journal of Cooperatives, NCERA-210, vol. 12, pages 1-12.
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    9. Chrysoula Morfi & Jerker Nilsson & Karin Hakelius & Kostas Karantininis, 2021. "Social networks and member participation in cooperative governance," Agribusiness, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 37(2), pages 264-285, April.
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