Towards an integrated approach to cooperative governance: Proposal of a new analysis model

Résumé

This paper proposes a new model of a good participatory governance. A model based on a three-dimensional approach characterized by a set of mechanisms allowing good governance of management powers within cooperatives.

In this respect, the first dimension "the disciplinary dimension" illustrates the agency theory in which regulatory mechanisms must be used to minimize conflicts of interest between cooperators and managers. The second dimension "the cognitive dimension" is based on the alternative theories that solve the problem of cognitive conflicts within cooperatives between knowledge holders and cooperators who lack of knowledge. The last dimension "the partnership dimension" illustrates the stakeholder theory and involves the participation of all stakeholders in decision-making. From this perspective, this model illustrates the interdependence of the three dimensions in such a way that they are complementary to achieve a good governance. The three-dimensional approach on which our model is based is inspired by the contribution that consider the cooperatives ‘governance is based on the bringing together a set of theories of corporate governance even if they are contradictory: multi-paradigmatic paradox. This approach allows to face the cooperative dilemma.