Journal of Co-operative Studies, 36(1), 45-77

Abstract

This paper is based on work carried out as part of a Society for Co-operative Studies research project on the co-operative advantage in the British consumer co-operative movement. This collaborative project was carried out by researchers from 3 academic institutions: CRU at Open University (leading the project), Leicester University Management School, and the UK’s Co-operative College (see the four papers in Journal of Co-operative Studies Vol 33 No 2, 2000). This paper reports on a comparative analysis of case studies in the following sectors: Dairy produce; Non-food produce; Travel; Funeral Services; Pharmacies. The research is based on interviews with managers of these business areas within the different co-operative societies. This paper examines the nature of ‘success’, and the basis for success in these co-operative sectors. Through comparative analysis, it attempts to identify common features in the patterns of factors leading to ‘success’, as well as significant differences.