Governing and managing social and solidarity economy organisations

Roger Spear, Madeg Le Guernic and Chris Cornforth

Chapter 5 in A Modern Guide to the Social and Solidarity Economy, 2026, pp 88-113 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: This chapter examines the specificity of the governance and management of social and solidarity economy organisations (SSEOs). These organisations’ goals are complex, embracing economic and social logics. As tensions between various logics are inherent in plural or hybrid organisations, SSEOs must have internal mechanisms intended to ensure their coherence and to manage potentially conflicting logics, from the inception of their project to its consolidation and development. Interestingly, despite such challenges, SSEOs may be able to combat isomorphic pressures or even create congruent isomorphism (matching their values) as they develop. This chapter aims to go beyond a unitarist corporate governance approach and show how governance of SSEOs is often better understood as part of a bigger picture. After introducing the theme of governance, the approach, and key challenges, the chapter is structured around the three levels: organisations; networks and federations; and territories and ecosystems. The conclusion suggests paths for future research.

Keywords: Governance; Boards; Networks; Ecosystems; Federations; Polycentric Governance (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
ISBN: 9781035310890
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