Cooperative work relations as a (re)source for organising the enterprise[Le travail coopératif comme une (res)source pour organiser l'entreprise]

The paper presents an organisational rationality that differs from the prevailing managerial rationality. Exploring the possibility for non-hierarchical organising, it advances arguments in support of the capacity of a social order grounded in cooperative work relations to achieve collective performance. Based on sociological research in worker cooperatives where high levels of worker agency are maintained, the chapter describes a commons rationality for organising that helps worker-members develop mechanisms that sustain a We-relation at project, organisational and activity level. In this organisational rationality, the quality of the relational network that exists between worker-members is seen as central to efficient task division, coordination and motivation. The We-relation, which implies a mutual obligation, leads to an engagement to do one's best and facilitates alignment between peers as well as respect for collectively determined norms.