Commitment and Satisfaction in Producer Co-operatives: the Role of Work Values

Although the arguments put forward in support of producer co-operatives span many levels—from the advantages for the national economy to the benefits for individuals—much of the promotion of co-operatives emphasizes the supposed advantages of cooperative working at the individual and organizational levels. It is argued that working in a co-operative can be more satisfying than working in a traditional business, and that the greater commitment sometimes found amongst the membership of cooperatives may enhance their performance relative to comparable traditional businesses.The evidence from studies into attitudes in co-operatives indicates that the picture is less clear cut than this; some people appear to find the experience of co-operative working a satisfying one, some perceive it to be virtually indistinguishable from working in a traditional business, others become cynical and disillusioned. This paper examines responses to co-operative working in terms of the commitment and satisfaction among the members of a large well established co-operative. The role of different work values in determining commitment and satisfaction is explored, and the implications of the findings for the promotion of co-operatives discussed.