Mutual Enterprise Research Articles

Customer versus member engagement: Does mutuality matter?

The purpose of this study was to examine the relative importance of customer engagement (CE) on customer loyalty (CL) and word of mouth (WOM) within co-operative and mutual enterprises (CMEs), and to see how these relationships compared to those found in more mainstream investor-owned businesses (IOFs). A large sample (n = 856) of CME members and IOF customers was drawn from an online consumer panel, with broadly equal numbers in each, who completed a questionnaire examining their CE, CL, and propensity for WOM. A path model, estimated by PLS, was used to examine the relationships between four dimensions of CE (engagement attention, co-development, enthusiasm, and interaction). Although the study did not find significant differences between CME members and IOF customers in terms of the influence CE had on CL and WOM, it did find CME members had higher CE scores across all dimensions. With engagement enthusiasm (EE) as the most influential factor, followed by engagement attention (EA). The study provides empirical evidence of the influence CE has on both CL and WOM, as well as the propensity of CME members to have higher levels of CE. This offers robust support to the importance of mutuality within CME businesses. The study provides further evidence of the importance of CE in fostering CL and WOM, as well as the relative importance of EE enthusiasm and EA in this. For managers of CMEs the study shows the strength of mutuality in fostering member CE. For IOF managers, it suggests that CE does matter, and it should be monitored. • Engagement attention and engagement enthusiasm have most influence on loyalty and WOM. • CME members were significantly more engaged across all factors than were customers of investor-owned firms (IOFs). • No significant differences were found between CME members and IOF customers in their loyalty or WOM activity. • CMEs have a natural advantage in member engagement, but don’t take advantage of this in their competition with IOFs.

RETRACTED: Resilient to Crises: How Cooperatives Are Adapting Sustainably to Overcome COVID-19-induced Challenges

This article argues that cooperative and mutual enterprises (CMEs) have a key role to play in transforming to sustainable and resilient societies in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. It looks at the contributions that CMEs have made in responding to the previous and ongoing crisis in Asia and the Pacific region. This article discusses the role of umbrella organisations and how their initiatives can facilitate a ‘trickle-down’ effect throughout the cooperative movement, highlighting examples of stimulus packages and their policy linkages. This article incorporates a brief overview of large national cooperative enterprises and apexes and their substantial contribution to resilience and sustainability. The author demonstrates the major role that cooperatives and mutuals are playing to foster inclusive and sustainable development at the grassroots level. This article concludes by arguing that CMEs are particularly resilient in adapting to a crisis, due to the specific features of the cooperative model, including the values of democracy and solidarity, as well as the principles of cooperation among cooperatives and concern for the community. Strong partnerships between and within cooperatives and mutuals can be instrumental in enhancing the emerging role of the movement as a pivotal actor in transforming towards sustainable and resilient societies.

Australia's Leading Co-operative and Mutual Enterprises in 2020

This paper reports on a research study that maps the size and structure of the Co-operative and Mutual enterprise (CME) sector in Australia. The Australian CME Index (ACMEI) is a longitudinal study that can provide a better understanding of these firms and their economic and social contribution to the national economy. This year the study found a total of 2,040 active CMEs of which 81% were co-operatives, 15% mutual enterprises, 2.1% were friendly societies and 2% were member-owned superannuation funds. These firms had a combined active membership base of more than 28.7 million memberships1, generated around $100 billion in revenue, managed over $1,067 billion in assets, and employed at least 69,839 people. They encompassed a wide range of industry sectors and provided significant economic and social benefits to their members. The report outlines these contributions and offers a case study of a selected CME to illustrate them

Executive Coaching Explored: Toward a Contingency Approach

The domain of executive coaching is becoming a crowded one. Despite its meteoric rise and use since the advent of the millennium, academic inquiry seems to lag the progress made in applied and practitioner circles. Even more, academic inquiry remains largely absent in the critique and investigation of commonly used practitioner models. In fact, the dominant logic surrounding the delivery and execution of executive coaching seems to affirm a thoughtful, mutual enterprise that unfolds over time and where trust is necessary. Put simply, the assumptions that underlie and underpin the thinking and execution of executive coaching rests heavily on the consultative, free form type of delivery and interaction. In this conceptual paper, we begin to challenge the veracity of this orthodoxy. In so doing, we plant the seeds of a contingency-based approach to executive coaching. In particular, we advance five contextual considerations that may argue for more of a directive, as opposed to consultative, approach towards the executive coaching experience.

SURODITELJSTVO: ODREĐENJE, OBILJEŽJA I IMPLIKACIJE ZA OBITELJSKU MEDIJACIJU

COPARENTING: DETERMINATION, CHARACTERISTICS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR FAMILY MEDIATION ABSTRACT The definition, conceptualization and the first research studies of coparenting appeared in the beginning of this century, and ever since this process of mutual enterprise of two or more persons who co-operate in the upbringing of a child for whom they share responsibility has aroused a considerable research interest. The primary aim of this review is to present the existing understandings of coparenting as an important family process which influences the entire family, and which is of particular developmental importance for the children. An additional aim is to point to the implications of the united knowledge about coparenting on the family mediation practice in the Republic of Croatia in order to contribute to its development and scientific foundation. The first part of the review represents the theoretical origins for understanding the coparenting, as well as the results of the domestic and foreign research on the connection between coparenting and the characteristics of parental behaviour and the child’s psychosocial adjustment and the specific features of the coparenting after divorce are examined. The second part of the review discusses the implications of the presented knowledge on coparenting for family mediation, which is recognised as a method which is appropriate for helping families in which there are conflicts and problems in various domains of coparenting. The empirical foundation of the need to expand the area of mediation beyond divorce is emphasised, as well as for the development of different models of family mediation practice and for the usage of preventive mediation in the construction of quality family relationships in two-parent families. The importance of the possibility to integrate scientific knowledge on coparenting into the system of knowledge and skills of family mediators is pointed out. Key words: coparenting,parenting, divorce, family mediation.

Australia's Leading Co-operative and Mutual Enterprises in 2019

This paper reports on a research study that aims to map the size and structure of the Co-operative and Mutual enterprise (CME) sector in Australia. The Australian CME Index (ACMEI) is a longitudinal study that can provide a better understanding of these firms and their economic and social contribution to the national economy. This year the study found a total of 2,032 active CMEs of which 82% were co-operatives, 14% mutual enterprises, 2.1% were friendly societies and 2% were member-owned superannuation funds. These firms had a combined active membership base of over 31.3 million memberships1, generated more than $104.4 billion in revenue, managed over $923.7 billion in assets, and employed at least 61,255 people. They encompassed a wide range of industry sectors and provided significant economic and social benefits to their members. The report outlines these contributions and offers a case study of a selected CME to illustrate them.

Member loyalty and WOM in co-operative and mutual enterprises

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present findings from a large-scale survey of members of co-operative and mutual enterprises (CMEs) that examines the factors influencing members’ intentions to remain loyal to the enterprise and to provide word of mouth (WOM).Design/methodology/approachA model was suggested and tested to examine the interrelationships between constructs measuring emotional, functional and financial value, affective and continuance commitment, intention to remain loyal to a CME and WOM communication. A large sample was drawn from a range of co-operative and mutual enterprises, and the suggested model was estimated using a partial least squares approach.FindingsSignificant relationships were found between all constructs. However, emotional value and affective commitment were found to have particularly strong relationships. Emotional value had a strong influence on both affective and continuance commitment, while affective commitment had a strong influence on loyalty and WOM.Originality/valueThis paper provides empirical support for suggestions about the factors that influence member loyalty within CMEs and the relative importance of non-financial motivations. It also provides a strong foundation upon which directors and executive managers of CMEs can build more effective member marketing and communications strategies.

Ethiopian Christianity: A continuum of African Early Christian polities

The 4th century CE was definitive for Early Christianity as there emerged an imperial orthodoxy establishment. This was the inception of an era of a Christian polity characterised by symbiotic ties between the imperial establishment and a developing charismatic political Christianity. The established narrative is one overshadowed by the Byzantine influence even in Africa through Alexandria and Carthage. There were, however, dynamics that conceived an African Christian polity, by extension Ethiopian Christianity posed relevance as a complexly diverse Christian political entity. The investigation reviewed 4th-century CE Christianity with regard to the influence of an African Christian polity and, additionally, how it was implied upon relations with the imperial orthodox establishment. Ethiopia became the case in consideration. This was established through descriptive research using document analysis to formulate literature reviews. The development of a Christian political matrix was a dominant feature of Early Christianity, especially after the emergence of a mutual enterprise under imperial orthodoxy. The formative manner of the political characteristic of ecclesiastical leadership was composite to the council resolutions and expansion policy. Inadvertently, the thin line between imperial geopolitical policy and custody of Christendom diminished. Ethiopia intrinsically saw the development of its own Christian political entity, one that curtailed the challenges of ethnic enculturation and schism between charisma and hierarchy. Perceivably, the complexity of the religious political matrix of Ethiopia as derived from its interaction with Byzantine Rome, Alexandria and the Arabian Peninsula was the source for its prolonged existence, thereby establishing basis for further investigation.

Developing a conceptual framework for the co-operative and mutual enterprise business model

AbstractThe co-operative and mutual enterprise business model represents a unique type of organisation that has a dual purpose focused on both economic and social goals. For nearly two centuries it has played an important role in economic development, job creation and addressing market failures. However, despite its potential importance to economic development it has been largely ignored within the mainstream economics and management literature. This paper provides an overview of the nature of the co-operative and mutual enterprise business model and also proposes a business model framework or ‘canvas’ that can be used for research, teaching and strategic analysis.

The member wears Four Hats: A member identification framework for co-operative enterprises

Abstract Co-operative and mutual enterprises (CMEs) are organisations in which buyers or suppliers are also the owners, shareholders and members of a community of purpose. Member heterogeneity and commitment have been reported in the literature, but the drivers of member commitment remain poorly understood. This paper proposes that members identify with their CME as patrons, investors, owners, and community members; wearing “Four Hats” (4Hs). A case study analysis of three Australian producer co-operatives examined directors and managers perceptions of factors influencing members’ commitment and delivery of a member value proposition. The 4Hs emerge as stable patterns and the cross-case analysis illustrates their strategic importance and link to member value proposition.

Towards an Appreciation of Ethics in Social Enterprise Business Models

How can a critical analysis of entrepreneurial intention inform an appreciation of ethics in social enterprise business models? In answering this question, we consider the ethical commitments that inform entrepreneurial action (inputs) and the hybrid organisations that emerge out of these commitments and actions (outputs). Ethical theory can be a useful way to reorient the field of social enterprise so that it is more critical of bureaucratic (charitable) and market-driven (business) enterprises connected to neoliberal doctrine. Social enterprise hybrid business models are therefore reframed as outcomes of both ethical and entrepreneurial intentions. We challenge the dominant conceptualisation of social enterprise as a hybrid blend of mission and market (purpose-versus-resource) by reframing hybridity in terms of the moral choice of economic system (redistribution, reciprocity and market) and social value orientation (personal, mutual or public benefit). We deconstruct the political foundations of charitable trading activities, co-operative and mutual enterprises and socially responsible businesses by examining the rationalities (formal, social and substantive) and ethical commitments (utilitarian, communitarian, pragmatic) that underpin them. Whilst conceptual modelling of social enterprise is not new, this paper contributes to knowledge by developing a theory of social enterprise ethics based on the moral/political choices that are made by entrepreneurs (knowingly and unknowingly) when choosing between systems of economic exchange and social value orientation, then expressing it through a legal form.

Australia's Leading Co-operative and Mutual Enterprises in 2018: CEMI Discussion Paper 1801

This paper reports on a research study that aims to map the size and structure of the Co-operative and Mutual enterprise (CME) sector in Australia. The Australian CME Index (ACMEI) is a longitudinal study that can provide a better understanding of these firms and their economic and social contribution to the national economy. This year the study found a total of 1,998 active CMEs of which 82.3% were co-operatives, 13.5% mutual enterprises, 2.2% were friendly societies and 2% were member-owned superannuation funds. These firms had a combined active membership base of over 29.5 million memberships, generated more than $102.7 billion in revenue, managed over $809.7 billion in assets, and employed at least 54,841 people. They encompassed a wide range of industry sectors and provided significant economic and social benefits to their members. The report outlines these contributions and offers case studies of selected CMEs to illustrate these contributions.

Australia's Leading Co-Operative and Mutual Enterprises in 2017

Australia's Leading Co-Operative and Mutual Enterprises in 2017

Accounting Standards and Co-operatives: Proposed Solutions to the Problem of AASB 132

This paper provides the first comprehensive overview of the effect of accounting standards on co-operatives in Australia. I define what a co-operative is before outlining the legal regime in place for the application of accounting standards to co-operatives. I then outline the problems co-operatives have with current accounting standards – particularly AASB 132 - before suggesting six potential solutions. I shall conclude that the most appropriate solution is to develop a separate set of accounting standards purposefully designed for co-operative and mutual enterprises.

How Peace Agreements Undermine the Rule of Law in New War Settings

AbstractThis article argues that internationally endorsed peace agreements entrench the restructuring of power relations that take place in ‘new wars’. It characterizes new wars as ‘mutual enterprises’ in which networks of state and nonstate actors engage in violence for economic and/or political gain. The article shows the way in which such networks subvert efforts to implement a rule of law, primarily using the example of Bosnia. It argues that efforts to challenge such networks through transitional justice mechanisms or democratic politics face huge obstacles. It suggests that the role of the international community has been ambiguous, sometimes going with the grain of existing power relations for geo‐political reasons or for stability and sometimes upholding human rights. Only where grass roots actors have directly accessed international justice mechanisms or where local activists have worked with municipalities have there been some openings. The article concludes by suggesting what a ‘new peace’ might involve.

Australia's Leading Co-Operative and Mutual Enterprises in 2015

Australia's Leading Co-Operative and Mutual Enterprises in 2015

Australia's Leading Co-Operative and Mutual Enterprises in 2015

This paper reports on a research study that aims to map the size and structure of the Co-operative and Mutual enterprise (CME) sector in Australia. Its purpose is to provide a better understanding of these Australian Cooperative and Mutual businesses and their contribution to the national economy. Despite representing some of the largest businesses in their sectors and being found across a wide-range of industries the overall size, structure and contribution of the CME sector in Australia are relatively poorly understood. This is due to a paucity of reliable data, difficulties in definition and vagueness over which firms should be identified as CME. To address these issues the development of an Australian Co-operative and Mutual Enterprise Index (ACMEI) has commenced. This aims to provide data and analysis of the size and shape of the CME sector. In 2015 it has focused on the identification of the Top 100 Co-operative and Mutual enterprises in Australia to inform the peak body representing the sector, the Business Council of Co-operatives and Mutuals (BCCM).

Purpose, Identity and the Member Value Proposition in Co-Operative and Mutual Enterprises

This paper examines the issues of purpose, identity and the development of member value within co-operative and mutual enterprises (CMEs). It aims to explain the nature and importance of “purpose” in CMEs and how this is communicated by such firms to their members. The paper finds that while the concept of purpose is still ill-defined and informally applied by most enterprises, it remains a key part of the way in which CMEs seek to differentiate themselves from other types of business. The paper also examines the nature of “identity” in CMEs and the important role that the co-operative principles and values play in defining these enterprises. The importance of social capital is also examined and the role it plays in the fostering of loyalty and commitment by members. The need for CMEs to develop a clear understanding of their “purpose” and “identity” and communicate this to members is highlighted. This is particularly important for CMEs that have highly diverse membership communities, or where the “generic problems” poses a major risk to the enterprise over the longer term. Recommendations for future research and practice are outlined.

Australia's Leading Co-Operative and Mutual Enterprises in 2014

This paper reports on a research study designed to map the size and structure of the Co-operative and Mutual enterprise (CME) sector in Australia. Its purpose is to provide a better understanding of these Australian Co-operative and Mutual businesses and their contribution to the national economy. Despite representing some of the largest businesses in their sectors and being found across a wide-range of industries the overall size, structure and contribution of the CME sector in Australia are relatively poorly understood. This is due to a paucity of reliable data, difficulties in definition and vagueness over which firms should be identified as CME. To address these issues the development of an Australian Co-operative and Mutual Business Index (ACMI) has commenced. This aims to provide data and analysis of the size and shape of the CME sector. In 2014 it has focused on the identification of the Top 100 Co-operative and Mutual enterprises in Australia to inform the peak body representing the sector, the Business Council of Co-operatives and Mutuals (BCCM).

In Defence of New Wars

This article reviews the literature on ‘new wars’. It argues that ‘new wars’ should be understood not as an empirical category but rather as a way of elucidating the logic of contemporary war that can offer both a research strategy and a guide to policy. It addresses four components of the debate: whether new wars are ‘new’; whether new wars are war or crime; whether the data supports the claims about new wars; and whether new wars are ‘post-Clausewitzean’. It argues that the obsession with the ‘newness’ of wars misses the point about the logic of new wars; that there is a blurring of war and crime but it is important to address the political elements of new wars; that, although the data should be used with caution, it does seem to offer support for some elements of the new war thesis; and that the argument is indeed post-Clausewitzean because new wars are not ‘contests of wills’ but more similar to a mutual enterprise. It concludes that the debate has greatly enriched the overall argument.