Cooperative work relations as a (re)source for organising the enterprise

Le travail coopératif comme une (res)source pour organiser l'entreprise

Kristel Maasen ()
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Kristel Maasen: ULB - Université libre de Bruxelles

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Abstract: The paper presents an organisational rationality that differs from the prevailing managerial rationality. Exploring the possibility for non-hierarchical organising, it advances arguments in support of the capacity of a social order grounded in cooperative work relations to achieve collective performance. Based on sociological research in worker cooperatives where high levels of worker agency are maintained, the chapter describes a commons rationality for organising that helps worker-members develop mechanisms that sustain a We-relation at project, organisational and activity level. In this organisational rationality, the quality of the relational network that exists between worker-members is seen as central to efficient task division, coordination and motivation. The We-relation, which implies a mutual obligation, leads to an engagement to do one's best and facilitates alignment between peers as well as respect for collectively determined norms.

Keywords: Agency; non-hierarchical organising; organisational design; organisational rationality; worker-organised enterprises; sociology of organisations; worker cooperatives; cooperative organising; cooperative working; organisation of work (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023-12-22
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