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 suggest that co-operative 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' multidimensionality 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 co-operatives' resilience, but where lacking, they undermine it. The article adds to thinking about 'co-operative advantage'.
Borda-Rodriguez, A., Johnson, H., Shaw, L., Vicari, S. (2016). What Makes Rural Co-operatives Resilient in Developing Countries?. JOURNAL OF INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT, 28(1), 89-111 [10.1002/jid.3125].
What Makes Rural Co-operatives Resilient in Developing Countries?
Vicari S.
2016-01-01
Abstract
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 suggest that co-operative 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' multidimensionality 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 co-operatives' resilience, but where lacking, they undermine it. The article adds to thinking about 'co-operative advantage'.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
