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Membership Structural Design: A Pilot Test On DHI Cooperatives

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  • Gray, Thomas W.
  • Butler, Gillian

Abstract

Cooperatives are organized to be democratic. However, large membership size can create problems for democratic process and governance. Attending meetings and casting votes may not be enough to preserve democratic characteristics. This report develops a set of propositions-a theory-for structuring membership to improve democratic opportunities and responsiveness. Aspects of these propositions are tested against data from dairy herd improvement cooperatives in Wisconsin and are supported. These propositions suggest potential structural design options, given specific stressors in the membership environment, and the management and operations environment.

Suggested Citation

  • Gray, Thomas W. & Butler, Gillian, 1994. "Membership Structural Design: A Pilot Test On DHI Cooperatives," Research Reports 279984, United States Department of Agriculture, Rural Development.
    • Handle: RePEc:ags:urdbrr:279984
    DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.279984
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    File URL: https://ageconsearch.umn.edu/record/279984/files/rr131.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Gray, Thomas W., 1991. "Membership: an Organizational View," Research Reports 52016, United States Department of Agriculture, Rural Development.
    2. Dunn, John R., 1988. "Basic Cooperative Principles and Their Relationship to Selected Practices," Journal of Agricultural Cooperation, National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, vol. 3, pages 1-11.
    3. Gray, Thomas W. & Butler, Gillian, 1991. "Charting from within a Grounded Concept of Member Control," Journal of Agricultural Cooperation, National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, vol. 6, pages 1-20.
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    Cited by:

    1. Wadsworth, James J., 1996. "A Strategic Planning Study of the Dairy Herd Improvement System," Research Reports 279996, United States Department of Agriculture, Rural Development.

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