Where is democracy nestled? Reflections on organizational degeneration based on an artists’ cooperative
Journal of Participation and Employee Ownership
ISSN: 2514-7641
Article publication date: 15 October 2024
Issue publication date: 26 November 2024
Abstract
Purpose
This article presents a compelling case study of a workers’ cooperative in the cultural sector. It offers a unique opportunity to delve into the tensions between managerial and democratic control, particularly in the context of heightened artistic claims. The pivotal role of an accountant in management for nearly two decades sparks a thought-provoking question about the potential for cooperative degeneration.
Design/methodology/approach
Our research employs a rigorous qualitative method, utilizing semi-structured interviews of six key members and a comprehensive analysis of legal, accounting and other media documents.
Findings
Our findings offer a significant perspective, refuting any indications of organizational degeneration. The decision-making processes continue to uphold democratic principles. While the manager and his administrative staff wield substantial authority, this is justified by their duty to preserve the collective. This duty is executed under democratic control, facilitated by information transparency. The low level of democratic participation poses a challenge, but the manager’s initiatives are aimed at addressing this. The effectiveness of this control, however, relies on the active participation of the members, which acts as a strong deterrent against organizational degeneration.
Originality/value
The originality of our contribution lies in our reference to Chester Barnard whose reflections on industrial democracy have been forgotten, reflections linked to his conception of managerial authority. We also highlight the importance of empowering individual members, which leads them to consider the consequences of their actions. As a result, the manager is not placed in a situation where he has to decide alone, as the scope of his unilateral powers is de facto delimited.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
I want to thank the members of Scop-Artist who took the time to answer my questions, particularly its director, Tim, according to his pseudonym in the article, who placed his trust in me and gave me a wealth of information. I'd also like to thank the reviewers and the editor-in-chief, whose comments greatly helped improve the quality of the article, and all shortcomings remain my own.
Citation
Charmettant, H. (2024), "Where is democracy nestled? Reflections on organizational degeneration based on an artists’ cooperative", Journal of Participation and Employee Ownership, Vol. 7 No. 3, pp. 213-228. https://doi.org/10.1108/JPEO-12-2022-0031
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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