Measuring performance: differences between capitalist and labour‐owned enterprises

Zuray Melgarejo, Francisco J. Arcelus and Katrin Simon

International Journal of Social Economics, 2007, vol. 34, issue 7, 485-501

Abstract: Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to test whether performance differences between labour‐managed (LOFs) and mercantile (PCFs) firms are due to the measures used in the comparison, rather than to their distinct capital‐ownership configurations. Design/methodology/approach - Tests for the equality of two means and two variances of a variety of performance measures were used to ascertain whether differences between LOFs and PCFs firms are due to the measures used in the comparison, rather than to their distinct capital‐ownership configurations Findings - The indicators analyzed do not provide either type of organizational structure a definite superiority in either short‐economic performance or in short‐term profitability and the profitability indicators assign as good a chance of survival to LOFs as to PCFs of similar size, even if the analysis of their respective debt structures indicates some clear limitations on their growth prospects. Practical implications - The paper stresses the importance of using proper measures of the performance of LOFs, to avoid a common practice of being short‐changed in their evaluation of their economic performance, profitability, return of labour and financial structure. Originality/value - The study will be useful to the worker‐owners of the LOFs and to those evaluating their performance, such as lenders, regulators, other public officials and the like.

Keywords: Performance measurement (quality); Corporate ownership; Small enterprises (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2007
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eme:ijsepp:v:34:y:2007:i:7:p:485-501

DOI: 10.1108/03068290710760254

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