Research Areas
Research ares at the Chaire de coopération Desjardins Guy-Bernier broadly investigate the way cooperative values and principles are integrated into the management of cooperatives.
Research Area 1: Cooperative governance
In terms of governance, cooperatives require unique responses strategically adapted to the specific realities they face. Such issues as the exercise of democracy, the role of relevant actors, diversity, equity and inclusion, best governance practices, organizational ethics and strategic strengthening will be investigated in this research area – which is intended to intersect and overlap with the other Chair research activities, helping us to better understand and reinforce the multiple issues addressed in our other research areas.
Research Area 2: Identifying and Measuring performance
Cooperative owners don’t share the same purpose as traditional business owners. Traditional company shareholders seek to maximize their return on their investment while cooperatives members want to supply themselves with goods and services, to create work, or simply sell their merchandise. Performance measurement for cooperatives – the degree to which it creates value for its members, must take this difference into account. Given our current economic context – characterized by rapid and sudden change, this research area will encourage a careful re-thinking of the very concept of performance and a conduct a reassessment of how it can be measured, helping cooperatives to better understand the effectiveness of their governance.
Research Area 3: The Challenges of Digital evolution
A key factor of success for cooperatives will be the degree to which they succeed in pivoting effectively to the digital age. Certain issues, such as cybersecurity, big data and artificial intelligence are among this sector’s current concerns. Understanding the risks and opportunities associated with new technologies will help cooperatives make wise choices when it comes to adopting the best digital tools for their needs. This research area will seek to determine best practices for undertaking a digital transformation, strengthening its integration into a winning organizational strategy. Particular attention will be paid to the impact of this digital transformation on the cooperative’s ability to create value for its members. A key question of inquiry: What strategic advantages or disadvantages arise for the cooperative business model when undergoing a digital transformation?
Research Area 4: Educating Cooperative Leadership
As mentioned, managers of cooperatives, particularly large cooperatives, were trained in traditional management schools. As a result, they’ve been inculcated with traditional management paradigms, and thus don’t always fully exploit the potential of the cooperative business model. This line of research will aim to develop knowledge in the field of cooperative education. What is the State of the Art in educating future cooperative leaders? What content deserves special attention? What are the best pedagogical approaches for the community of practice? These are the types of questions that this research area seeks to answer.
