Worker cooperatives as alternative economies within capitalism: organisational variation and democratic decision-making

<p dir="ltr">This thesis analyses the organisational and decision-making processes of worker cooperatives, which are productive organisations that are collectively owned and controlled by their worker-members. The research is based on qualitative data gathered via semi-structured interviews, participant observation, and document analysis, from five worker cooperatives in the United Kingdom, which varied substantially in terms of size and operational activities. Organised in three stand-alone papers, there are three distinct, yet interrelated arguments derived from the findings. Firstly, by evaluating the ways in which worker-members organise work, the findings suggest that worker cooperatives can prevent degenerative tendencies and maintain collective control through the implementation of decentralised organisational structures or through practices that facilitate empowerment in the workplace. Secondly, examining the work process of worker cooperatives within the broader capitalist context which necessitates capital valorisation, the findings suggest that certain organisational tensions remain inevitable. Despite their inevitability, however, the intensity and form of these tensions can vary depending on the organisational and decision-making structure of the cooperative, with worker-members being able to address and alleviate some of the pressures. Finally, the findings suggest that worker-members adapt their organisational practices, not only to maintain operational continuity but also to enhance their sense of collective autonomy and protect their shared values and priorities. Overall, the thesis acts as an indication of how worker-members can construct non-exploitative spaces of production that provide for their material needs while allowing for democracy and worker control to flourish.</p>