A Conceptual Framework for Research into Co-Operative Enterprise

Mazzarol, Tim; Simmons, Richard; Limnios, Elena Mamouni

doi:10.2139/ssrn.2015641

Cited by 19 publications

(26 citation statements)

References 118 publications

(117 reference statements)

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“…In the context of an organization, resilience is about the ability to develop a set of dynamic capabilities to maintain core functions while coping with shocks (Seville et al , McManus , Seville , Mamouni Limnios and Mazzarol ). We have conducted a systematic review of the co‐operative literature and identified a number of key factors conducive to co‐operative resilience (Borda‐Rodriguez and Vicari ), the most crucial factors include: Membership driven by values and principles, such as self‐help, equality, reciprocity and commitment to the co‐operative (Birchall , Mazzarol et al , Ruben and Heras ). Ability to establish networks amongst co‐operatives and with external agents (Berdegué , Simmon and Birchall , Menzani and Zamagni , Münkner ). Creation of a learning space for the development of collective skills (Shaw , Hartley ). Ability to access credit and be included in domestic and international value chains (Haggblade et al , Elliot , ILO ). Favourable legislative and policy environments that recognize co‐operative autonomy and fosters their development (Francesconi and Ruben , Münkner ). …”

Section: Resilience and Innovation In The Context Of Co‐operativesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Coffee Co‐operatives in Malawi: Building Resilience Through Innovation

Borda-Rodriguez

Vicari

2015

Ann Public Coop Econ

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This article focuses on the role played by innovation in the context of coffee co-operatives. It shows how interconnected forms of innovation contribute to co-operative resilience. Data was collected from the largest coffee co-operative Union in Malawi and illustrates how coffee co-operatives have innovated in order to cope with organizational and market constrains. We identify four areas of innovation: sustainable technologies, development of market niches, women's inclusion and business diversification. The combination of these forms of innovation contributes to co-operative resilience in different degrees, the article also analyzes how innovation is influenced and driven by co-operative's values and principles and by partnerships with national and international actors.In this article we seek to answer the following question: what role and to what extent does innovation support co-operative resilience in Malawi? We address this question by analyzing the unexplored and largest coffee co-operative Union in Malawi.Co-operatives are based on the values of self-help, self-responsibility, democracy, equality, equity and solidarity (ICA 2013). The principles that guide cooperatives across the world include open membership, democratic member control, member economic participation, autonomy and independence, education, training and information, co-operation among co-operatives and concern for the community. These are the values and principles upon which Malawian co-operatives have been set up.Co-operatives are typically affected by a conflict between efficiency and equality which in turn generates a trade-off between innovation and inclusion (World Bank 2008). It has been acknowledged that the participatory and inclusive nature of co-operatives may enable a fluent flow of information between members by reducing information asymmetries and fostering a more innovative environment within society (Stiglitz 2009).Co-operatives have had a mixed history in the developed and developing world (Vorley and Proctor 2008). However, the recent economic and financial global crises has put in evidence the remarkable degree of resilience shown by co-operatives, they were able to foster social inclusion and development (Birchall and Hammond Ketilson 2009, Chaves and Monzon 2012, Bouchard 2012, FAO 2013. The recent economic crises of 2008 and 2009 have revealed the intrinsic connection between resilience and innovation, a connection that has been largely underexplored in the context of co-operatives in the developing world. In this sense, this article offers one of the very first analyses of coffee co-operative resilience in Malawi.On the one hand, resilience is the capacity for response, which in the context of organizations like co-operatives translates as the ability to cope with shocks and crises (Mamouni Limnios and Mazzarol 2011). On the other hand, innovation in its most basic definition is about 'new and/or significant improvements to existing goods and services' (OECD/Eurostat 2005). Resilience and innovation translate into acti...

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Section: Resilience and Innovation In The Context Of Co‐operativesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Coffee Co‐operatives in Malawi: Building Resilience Through Innovation

Borda-Rodriguez

Vicari

2015

Ann Public Coop Econ

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“…Unlike any other type of enterprise, co‐operatives have a particular ability to foster the development of social trust among members (Sabatini, Modena, & Tortia, ), helping to overcome challenges such as free riding and conflict between different interests (e.g. Birchall, ; Mazzarol et al ., ). Such ties among members are considered a main component of adaptive capacity, related to the ability of people to act collectively (Adger, ; Eriksen, Brown, & Kelly, ; Pelling & High, ).…”

Section: Co‐operative Resilience and Organisational Capabilitiesmentioning

confidence: 97%

“…The sense of ownership is in turn reflected in the control exercised by members over the board and managers, and ensuring co‐operative activity addresses members' needs and that risk is managed effectively. Members as patrons, at the same time as being customers, users and suppliers. Their continuing patronage is likely to be affected by their feelings about ‘fair prices, efficient transactions and quality services’ (Mazzarol et al ., , p. 9).…”

Section: Co‐operative Resilience and Organisational Capabilitiesmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Birchall () and Mazzarol, Simmons, and Mamouni Limnios () argue that members' incentives to participate are linked with particular dimensions of member identity: Member identity as investor is fundamental to strengthening a sense of ownership: the lower the capital subscription, the lower is the incentive to take part in governance and to be loyal, thus leading to free‐riding behaviours. The sense of ownership is in turn reflected in the control exercised by members over the board and managers, and ensuring co‐operative activity addresses members' needs and that risk is managed effectively. Members as patrons, at the same time as being customers, users and suppliers.…”

Section: Co‐operative Resilience and Organisational Capabilitiesmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Mazzarol et al . () list the need to build member identity, commitment and social capital within the co‐operative in order to make a co‐operative a sustainable business. Case studies from Malawi have also found that loyalty is a key challenge for co‐operatives (Borda‐Rodriguez and Vicari, ).…”

Section: Co‐operative Resilience and Organisational Capabilitiesmentioning

confidence: 99%

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What Makes Rural Co‐operatives Resilient in Developing Countries?

Borda-Rodriguez

Johnson

Shaw

et al. 2015

J of Intl Development

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It has been argued that current interest in co-operatives is because they can reduce poverty and are resilient organisations. However histories of co-operatives' successes and failures suggests that cooperative organisational resilience needs better understanding. This article reviews the literature, particularly with respect to sub-Saharan Africa. It argues that co-operative organisational resilience centres on co-operatives' multi-dimensionality and the development of collective capability in five mutually reinforcing areas of activity. These are: membership, networks, collective skills in governance, innovation, and engagement with governments. Together, they strengthen cooperatives' resilience but, where lacking, they undermine it. The article adds to thinking about 'cooperative advantage'.

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