Research Ideas

In 2011-12, CCA and CCCM collected 50 surveys from researchers, co-op practitioners and research centres. These surveys identified the top priorities for future research.

New types of emerging co-operatives

Additional interest could be in multi-stakeholder co-operatives and co-operatives providing local services in rural areas. Furthermore, an interest in co-operatives developing in new sector. Thirdly, there is a need to look into best practices in innovative co-operatives as well as new models of international partnerships among co-operatives (networks, consortiums, etc.).

Member engagement and loyalty

A few key interests emerging from the survey with regards to this priority were: voluntary behaviour, reciprocity, co-operative identity, cohesion and member/employee satisfaction.

Youth (16-30) engagement in the co-operative movement

Additionally, the importance of knowing how youth are engaged on co-operative boards of directors.

Contribution of the co-operative model to the socio-economic development of population groups

Specifically looking at the impact of co-operatives on families, seniors, youth skill development, recent immigrants and aboriginal communities.

Sustainable development in our co-ops

Including sustainability reporting for co-operatives and developing greater understanding of sustainable business practices.

Comparing the financial performance of co-ops to that of the private sector 

Looking at traditional and non-traditional growth metrics and how co-operatives perform in various sectors against the private sector.

Public policies aimed at co-operatives

Specifically, social, economic and agricultural policy related to co-operatives. Furthurmore, an interest in the resource utilisation theory applied to public policy aimed at co-operatives or a look at how co-operatives position themselves with respect to public policy.

Governance models and board composition

Specifically, organizational democracy, and interest in collective approaches to micro-business development using peer group models.

Co-operative theory in the contemporary context

Applying co-operative theory to the three following topics: international co-operative networks, human capital (the co-operative model as a tool to serve humans) and social justice.

The international dimension

Sub-topics of inquiry included how co-operative business, solidarity and politics are being globalized; exploration of contributions of the co-operative movement to a “fair” (équitable) globalization process; and research into management practices of co-operative managers from various countries.