Journal of Co-operative Studies, 34(1), 50-56

Abstract

This paper considers how co-operative and mutual organisations can be structured to include excluded groups; to focus directors' legal duties on issues other than maximisation of shareholder value; and so operate successfully in circumstances in which investor controlled companies may fail. Conclusions are drawn about the role of employees in consumer co-operatives and the opportunities available to those societies in developing new relations with their employees and the wider application of the Co-operative Advantage advocated in the Co-operative Commission Report. The paper is one of three papers presented to a seminar on 'Co-operative opportunities' on March 1, 2001in Manchester. The two other papers by Ian Snaith and Roger Jones are also included in this issue.