The Defense of Cooperative Values in "Alternative" Organizations

Samenvatting

A theoretical overview of the values, structures, & functioning of small-scale cooperative organizations: efficiency, manageability, standardization, specialization, organizational stratification, etc. Usually, the authority of the business management lies in the collective & may only temporarily be delegated to individuals acting as group representatives. The decision-making matrix is determined by the dual values of direct control & egalitarianism. Since there are no formal rules to invoke in decision making within the egalitarian framework, differences of opinion on business matters can become very personalistic. Tendencies toward oligarchic control patterns & goal displacement present constant threats to maintaining egalitarian values & structures in the "alternative" cooperative organization. Additional problems include labor turnover & changes in market structure, technology, & homogeneity of cooperative members. Thus, processes inherent to structures designed to ensure democratic participation are themselves threats to alternative democratic organizations. 21 References. M. Meeks.